how do i replace a belt on my kenmore 80 series dryer? I took the drum out and got the old belt off, but I can't figure out how to get the new belt on through the tensioner and around the motor.

joseph rion, November 2007

Rob Klepper's info was EXTREMELY helpful for me. I looked everywhere for someone else who had a wheel-less pulley. I thought we had broken something until I saw Rob's photos. You saved us $100! tHANKS SO MUCH!

Kerry in NC, February 2008

The problem lies in the fact that once the belt has broken, the tensioner falls to rest flat against the floor of the dryer. When in place with the belt installed, the tensioner is actually almost vertical. Also, when installing the belt, the amateur repairman (like me!) thinks that the ribbed side of the belt must rub against both the tensioner and the pulley, and tries for an hour or so (like I did!) to figure out how to get the belt physically around the tensioner and the pulley and the drum, ribbed side down. This is not so. The non-ribbed side of the belt rubs against the tensioner, and the ribbed side wraps around the motor and the drum.

Here are three pics for you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/klep26/IMG_4549.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/klep26/IMG_4548.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/klep26/IMG_4547.jpg

Hope this helps!

Rob Klepper, December 2007