How to Fix a Drive Belt for a Washer That is Noisy and Leave Marks on Clothes
There will be a few telltale signs when the drive belt in your washer starts to fail, the most annoying of which is the screeching or squealing sound it will make. It will often be accompanied by a burning smell, caused by excess friction. If the belt completely fails, your wash tub won’t be able to spin at all. Replacing the belt is a straightforward repair and using the information below you’ll be able to determine if it’s the cause of your noisy washer. We have provided sound clips, videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you along the way. If your washer also has a pump belt, it will present similar symptoms. You can find more information on the pump belt here.
What is a Drive Belt and Where is it Located?
The drive belt is used to connect the drive motor to the transmission in some top-load washers, or the drive motor to the wash basket in most front-load washers. This is what helps the basket to spin in order to clean your laundry. The drive belt may be either a single V-shaped belt or a multi-rib belt and is normally made of rubber, though it may have a fabric covering.
General Location of the Drive Belt in a Front Load Washer
On front-load washers, the drive belt is normally a multi-ribbed belt and is designed to be installed for a tight fit.
General Location of the Drive Belt in a Top Load Washer
On belt-driven top-load washers, the drive belt is normally a V-belt with a fabric covering to allow for some slippage or it may be a rubber-covered belt with an idler pulley or another tensioning device to reduce the amount of friction created when the motor starts up.
What Type of Noise Can You Expect?
Belts, in general, are known for making a squealing or screeching noise when they are worn out or frayed.
How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Drive Belt in a Washing Machine
- Disconnect your washer from the power source, and then remove the access panel or cabinet.
- Locate your drive belt—it will be connected to the drive motor on one end. Once you have located it, remove the clamps that hold the belt in place and remove the belt in order to inspect it.
- Inspect the drive belt for any signs of burning, fraying, wear, or any other damage.
- If you find any of the above, you need a replacement drive belt.
How to Install a New Drive Belt
- We find it easiest to replace the drive belt when the washer is propped up or on its back.
- Roll the old belts off the pulleys, starting with the pump belt and then the drive belt.
- Inspect the drive belt for any signs of burning, fraying, wear, or any other damage.
- Then replace the larger drive belt by looping it around the motor pulley then fitting it into the drive pulley.
- Next the smaller pump belt can be looped around the motor pulley and the pump pulley.
- Make any necessary adjustments to tighten or loosen the belts.
Next: Troubleshooting the Direct Drive Motor Coupling
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