Dryer help needed

[Dunit35]

Our dryer decided it didn't want to work anymore. It is getting heat but isn't spinning. We live in a rental but I kind of like to learn how to fix things just in case I need to know in the future.

What's the problem?

I took the back off and didn't see a belt anywhere.

[seclark]

just call.

[stumppy]

Could just be a door switch. You'll prob need a multi-meter to ck it all out. Got one ?

[Taco John]

Sounds like a job for tommykat

[Dunit35]

Could just be a door switch. You'll prob need a multi-meter to ck it all out. Got one ?

No, I was hoping it'd be something I could do on my own. I guess it's not looking like it?

[Donger]

1) Hit dryer with hard object.

2) If you can't see a belt, look around the bottom to see if it broke and is laying there.

3) Hit fryer with hard object again.

4) Look for blown fuses

[Extra Point]

Broken belt. If it's a Maytag, I think their website can get you the parts & repair manual. Good luck.

[FAX]

Is it just me, or does it seem like every appliance in your home has experienced difficulty since you moved in, Mr. Dunit35?

FAX

[rambleonthruthefog]

i used to manage a couple of apartment complexes, and the maintenance men i worked with(who could fix plenty) hated washers and dryers. said they were difficult ot work on. call someone, and watch. do your learnin' that way.

[Skip Towne]

If it's a Sears, they have a repair van I see running around.

[ChiefsFire]

1. Crawl inside
2. Close door
3. Have someone turn unit on

Only good way to get a look.

[StcChief]

of the major appliances (Dishwasher,WashingMachine,Dryer) it's the easiest with fewest moving parts/controls. Either belt broke or slips. check on that. Motor but doubtful. depends on age, I replaced electric motor once on a 20 yo dryer.

[chefsos]

Weird...I'm having the exact same problem. About to pull my dryer apart too, so if I find something that is fixable by an idiot like me I'll let you know, Dunit.

Or I'll die under a dryer, in which case it's unlikely I'll send that message.

07/05/08 EDIT: This thread's about to get bumped...

[stlchiefs]

Have you turned the crank to wind it up lately?

[gblowfish]

If it gets hot but the drum doesn't turn, either the belt has broken or slipped off the motor pulley, or the motor is shot. Dryers are actually not too complicated, but difficult to work on by yourself because they are very clumsy. Not heavy, but kind of hard to move around.

If it's a Sears, GE, etc, something pretty common, do a web search. You can get diagrams and good Mr. Fix It type advice there.

[stumppy]

Have you looked inside to make sure the mice are still in there?

[Baby Lee]

Belts usually go around the middle of the drum, so if you're looking at the periphery [back/front] you might miss it. It goes down to a motor/pulley, usually at the bottom.
The motor is a canister shaped object with copper visible inside the vents and a wheel [pulley] on one end. Locate that and see; 1) is there a belt on the wheel? and 2) is the wheel spinning when in operation.

[Dunit35]

It's a Kenmore.

The picture on the back of the dryer doesn't show a belt. So, does it have a belt and if so where is the best place to look?

[RibKing67]

Best thing to do is do a search for Kenmore Dryer Maintenance. I found this www.repairclinic.com/kenmore-dryer-parts-gg.htm - 14k. Put in your model number and you can look at parts manuals and stuff to help you out. I did a belt and heating element on mine a couple yrs ago. I spent about 100 bucks and its still workin great. Good luck. P.S. Be careful if your heat works but it wont spin you can cause a fire pretty easy.

[Chiefaholic]

The belt should be around the middle of the drum and connected to the motor which is generally close to the front of the dryer. Either way, it's an easy fix and self explanatory once you open things up.

[rad]

I can't believe no one suggested he check the dryer spin fluid.

You guys gargle balls....

[kepp]

Antifreeze

[chefsos]

BUMP...

Whatever happened with your dryer Dunit?

I just got my Kenmore fixed today (been away from home a lot and lazy, too) and it was a broken belt. Took a lot of shit apart on the back that I didn't need to after all.

Once the top was loose, the front end came right off after loosening a couple of screws and sliding it out of the slots on the bottom, and lo and behold, there was the motor that I couldn't see from the back. The tumbler came right out easily, strapped that belt on, put 'er back together, dried some duds.