Drive Belt, Drum Belt, Dryer Belt, V-Belt, Serpentine Belt, Tumbler Belt

WW03F00015, WE12M51, WE12M29, AP5665850, PS6883461, EAP6883461

GE, Hotpoint

GEDLX3001R, DLX3001W, DLX3002R, DLX3002W, GTD33EASK0WW, GTD33EASK1WW, GTD33GASK0WW, GTD33GASK1WW, GTD42EASJ0WW, GTD42EASJ1WW, GTD42GASJ0WW, GTD42GASJ1WW, GTD45EASJ0WW, GTD45EASJ1WW, GTD45GASJ0WW, GTD45GASJ1WW, GTD65EBSJ0DG, GTD65EBSJ1DG, GTD65GBSJ0DG, GTD65GBSJ1DG, GTD72EBSN0DG, GTD72EBSN1DG, GTD72GBSN0DG, GTD72GBSN1DG, GTX33EASK0WW, GTX33GASK0WW

HotpointHTX24EASK0WW, HTX24EASK1WW, HTX24GASK0WW, HTX24GASK1WW, HTX27EASK0WW, HTX27EASK1WW, HTX27GASK0WW, HTX27GASK1WW

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: This repair involves working inside the dryer cabinet. Always unplug the dryer before beginning work to prevent electrical shock and injury from unexpected motor operation. If uncomfortable with dryer disassembly, hire a qualified technician.

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet to ensure complete power disconnection.
2. Turn off the gas supply (gas dryers only) by closing the gas shutoff valve.
3. Disconnect the dryer exhaust vent hose from the rear of the dryer.
4. Pull the dryer away from the wall to provide access to the rear and sides.
5. Take multiple photos of the dryer interior and belt routing before disassembly. This is critical for proper belt installation.
6. Remove the lint filter from the lint filter housing.
7. Remove the lint filter housing screws (typically 2 screws inside the lint filter opening).
8. Remove the top panel by inserting a putty knife between the top and front panel near the corners, releasing the clips, and lifting the top panel up and back. Set aside safely.
9. Disconnect the door switch wire connector from the front panel (if present).
10. Remove the front panel mounting screws (typically 2-4 screws at the top of the front panel, now visible with top panel removed).
11. Lift the front panel up and forward to release it from the bottom clips, then remove it completely. Set aside in a safe location. Caution: The front panel is heavy—handle carefully.
12. Locate the drive belt wrapped around the drum, motor pulley, and idler pulley. Take detailed photos of the belt routing path.
13. Release belt tension by pushing the idler pulley toward the motor to create slack in the belt.
14. Remove the old belt from the motor pulley, idler pulley, and drum. Pull the belt off the drum and out of the dryer cabinet.
15. Inspect the old belt for cracks, fraying, glazing, stretching, or damage. This confirms the diagnosis.
16. Inspect the drum support rollers (typically 2 rollers at the rear of the drum) for wear, flat spots, or roughness. Spin each roller—they should rotate freely and smoothly. If rollers are worn or don't spin freely, replace them to prevent premature belt wear.
17. Inspect the idler pulley for wear, roughness, or binding. The pulley should spin freely and smoothly. If the pulley is worn or doesn't spin freely, replace it.
18. Clean the motor pulley and idler pulley with a cloth to remove lint, dust, and debris.
19. Clean the drum surface where the belt rides to remove lint and residue.
20. Unpack the new WW03F00015 drive belt from its packaging.
21. Compare the new belt to the old one to verify length, width, and appearance match.
22. Inspect the new belt for any damage before installation.
23. Position the new belt around the drum with the ribbed or grooved side against the drum surface. The belt should wrap around the drum circumference in the groove or channel (typically located at the front of the drum).
24. Route the belt down and under the drum toward the motor and idler pulley area at the bottom of the dryer.
25. Loop the belt around the motor pulley (the small pulley attached to the motor shaft). Ensure the ribbed side of the belt engages with the motor pulley grooves.
26. Route the belt around the idler pulley (the spring-loaded tensioner pulley). The idler pulley maintains tension on the belt. Important: Refer to your detailed photos for exact belt routing—the belt typically forms a serpentine or figure-8 pattern around the motor pulley and idler pulley.
27. Pull the idler pulley toward the motor to create slack, allowing the belt to seat properly on all pulleys.
28. Verify the belt is properly seated on the drum, motor pulley, and idler pulley. The belt should sit centered on each pulley with no twists.
29. Release the idler pulley slowly, allowing the spring tension to pull the idler pulley away from the motor and tension the belt properly.
30. Manually rotate the drum several complete revolutions to verify the belt tracks properly and doesn't slip or come off the pulleys. The drum should rotate smoothly with consistent resistance.
31. Verify belt tension by pressing on the belt between the drum and motor pulley. The belt should have moderate tension with approximately 0.5-1 inch deflection when pressed firmly.
32. Reposition the front panel by inserting the bottom edge into the bottom clips, then pushing the top of the panel against the cabinet.
33. Install the front panel mounting screws and tighten firmly.
34. Reconnect the door switch wire connector (if disconnected).
35. Lower the top panel back into position, ensuring it engages the front clips.
36. Reinstall the lint filter housing screws and tighten firmly.
37. Insert the lint filter back into the housing.
38. Reconnect the dryer exhaust vent hose and secure with hose clamp.
39. Turn on the gas supply (gas dryers only).
40. Push the dryer back toward the wall, leaving adequate clearance.
41. Restore power by plugging in the dryer.
42. Run a test cycle (air fluff or timed dry, no heat) for 2-3 minutes to verify proper drum rotation.
43. Listen for unusual noises during operation. The dryer should operate smoothly and quietly with no squealing, thumping, or grinding.
44. Verify the drum rotates smoothly and consistently throughout the test cycle.
45. If the drum rotates properly with no unusual noises, the repair is complete.

Safety Notes: Always unplug the dryer before working on it. The front panel is heavy—handle carefully to avoid injury or damage. Take detailed photos of belt routing before removal—incorrect routing causes belt failure. Inspect and replace worn drum rollers and idler pulley during belt replacement to prevent premature belt wear. Manually rotate the drum after installation to verify proper belt tracking. This repair requires moderate mechanical skills and careful attention to proper belt routing.

1. Always inspect and lubricate drum support rollers when replacing the drive belt—worn rollers cause premature belt failure. Spin each roller to check for smooth rotation. If rollers are worn, rough, or don't spin freely, replace them. Apply high-temperature bearing grease to roller shafts if needed.
2. Take detailed photos of the belt routing path before removal—incorrect routing is the most common installation error. The belt typically forms a serpentine or figure-8 pattern around the motor pulley and idler pulley. Incorrect routing causes belt slipping or damage.
3. The ribbed or grooved side of the belt must contact the drum, motor pulley, and idler pulley for proper grip. Installing the belt inside-out (smooth side against pulleys) causes slipping and premature wear. Verify correct belt orientation before installation.
4. Manually rotate the drum several complete revolutions after installation to verify proper belt tracking. The belt should stay centered on all pulleys with no slipping or coming off. If the belt slips or comes off, recheck the routing and tension.
5. Inspect the idler pulley for wear, roughness, or binding—a worn idler pulley causes belt slipping and noise. The idler pulley should spin freely and smoothly. If the pulley is worn or binds, replace it along with the belt to prevent premature belt failure.
6. Drive belts typically last 8-12 years with normal use (5-7 loads per week). Factors that shorten belt life include overloading the dryer (increases friction and heat), worn drum rollers (increases resistance), seized idler pulley (prevents proper tensioning), and lint buildup on pulleys (reduces grip).
7. A squealing noise indicates belt slipping from worn belt, glazed belt surface, or insufficient tension. Clean the motor pulley and idler pulley to remove lint and residue. If squealing continues with new belt, check idler pulley spring tension and drum roller condition.
8. Belt tension is critical—too loose causes slipping, too tight causes motor strain and bearing wear. Proper tension allows 0.5-1 inch deflection when the belt is pressed firmly between drum and motor pulley. The idler pulley spring provides automatic tensioning—do not manually adjust tension.
9. Clean the drum surface and pulleys before installing the new belt to ensure proper grip. Lint, fabric softener residue, and dust reduce belt grip and cause slipping. Use a cloth to wipe all surfaces clean.
10. If the new belt breaks or slips off repeatedly, the problem is likely worn drum rollers, seized idler pulley, or drum misalignment—not the belt. Address these underlying issues before replacing the belt again or the new belt will fail immediately.