Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpDryer RepairDryer drum not turning Repair
My Dryer Won't Spin
If your dryer drum is not turning or the dryer is not spinning, the most likely culprit is a broken drive belt, so first reach into the drum and turn it by hand — if the drum spins easily the belt is probably broken and needs replacement. A faulty timer can cause the drum to stop, but that is rare; check more common parts before testing the timer with a multimeter. Worn drum rollers are another frequent cause: they must spin freely or the drum will bind, and if one roller is bad you should generally replace the set. An obstructed or damaged blower wheel can overload the motor and prevent the drum from turning, so inspect the wheel and housing for debris. Worn roller axles can make rollers wobble and stop the drum, and a seized idler pulley will keep proper belt tension from forming. If you need the right replacement part, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see parts that fit your exact dryer.
01 - Dryer Timer
A dryer drum not turning could be caused by a faulty timer. However, this is very rarely the case. Before replacing the timer, check all the more commonly defective parts. If you determine that all of the other components are working properly, test the timer by using a multimeter and consulting the wiring diagram. If the timer is defective, replace it.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution
02 - Dryer Drive Belt
The drive belt is a very long, slender belt that wraps all the way around the dryer drum, around a tension pulley, and then around the drive motor pulley. Over time, the belt can break from normal use. If the belt is broken, the dryer won’t turn. To quickly determine if the belt is broken, reach into the dryer and turn the drum by hand. If the drum spins very easily, the belt is likely broken. Next, inspect the belt to confirm that it is broken. If the belt is broken, replace it.
Top Solution
03 - Dryer Drum Roller
Most dryers have two drum rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers supporting the front of the drum. The rollers must spin freely to work properly. If the drum rollers are worn out, the dryer won’t turn properly. To determine if the support rollers are worn out, remove the belt from the dryer and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, check the support rollers for wear. If one or more of the rollers are worn out, we recommend replacing all of the rollers at the same time as a preventative measure. (The roller shaft can often be reused if it is in good condition. Clea...
Top Solution
04 - Dryer Drum Roller Axle
One or more of the drum roller axles might be worn out. Most dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers supporting the front of the drum. The rollers must spin freely to work properly. If the roller axles are worn out, the rollers may not spin freely, causing the motor to overload and the dryer to stop. To determine if the drum roller axles are worn out, remove the belt from the dryer and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, check the support rollers for wear. If the rollers spin freely without wobbling, the axles do not need to be replac...
Highly Likely
05 - Dryer Blower Wheel
The dryer blower wheel is the component that circulates the air through the dryer drum. Since the drive motor that rotates the blower wheel will often drive the belt that turns the drum as well, an obstructed blower wheel could prevent the drum from turning. Inspect the blower wheel and housing for any obstruction and replace the component if necessary.
Highly Likely
06 - Dryer Idler Assembly
Inspect the idler pulley for the dryer drum belt and make sure it spins freely on the shaft. If the idler pulley is stuck, worn or damaged, we recommend replacing the drum drive belt in addition to replacing the idler pulley assembly.
Common
07 - Dryer Idler Pulley
Inspect the idler pulley for the dryer drum belt and make sure it spins freely on the shaft. If the idler pulley is stuck, worn or damaged, we recommend replacing the drum drive belt in addition to replacing the idler pulley.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer drum not turning?
How can I tell if the dryer drive belt is broken or stretched?
My dryer is making grinding noise when the drum turns, could that stop the drum from spinning?
The dryer starts then stops after a few seconds, is the timer bad?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?