how do i put on a new belt on my hotpoint tumble dryer

sue, October 2008

This is for the 'First edition' TDL11P dryer but probably similar for others.

First - be sure it is the belt. If the dryer is operating correctly but the drum not rotating, then it probably is. Look at the back and see if the fan is spinning. If it is, and the dryer is not rotating, then the belt must be broken or off.

Next - order the belt. There aint no point dismantling the thing before you get it.

Third - prepare for action. REMOVE PLUG FROM MAINS. ENSURE SAFE ISOLATION. Then move the thing to a good clear patch of floor, and get a good vacuum cleaner ready! It's a good idea (I Think) to vacuum all the fluff out as you go. You'll also need a cross head screwdriver, preferably mounted in an electric screwdriver.

Fourth - start taking the thing to bits. This is an explanation of my way of doing it which was found by trial and error.

Now, heres the thing - the belt (obviously) goes round the drum about midway along. To get the belt on you'll need to take the front off, but bear in mind you can't remove the front far, due to the wiring to the door switch and the loom run along the bottom.

So, take off the top, 2 screws at the back. Remove the control panel front - remove two screws from INSIDE LHS (as you look at it from the front) and gently pull away the left hand side of the panel. Ease it to the right, and it will clear the lugs over which the right side is clipped. I found the dial knob popped off all on its own....

Remove bottom trim panel (no screws). Lie machine on it's back. undo complete centre front, three screws top, same bottom. GENTLY move the front panel so that you get working room. take out plastic vent tube - it'll go back in from the back later. Hoover out the interior. Ease in belt so it goes around drum. Replace front. Move machine to upright position and just check drum is still rotating freely.

From the rear, remove two screws from vent housing thingy (the bit at the rear to which the vent pipe attaches). Stick arm in, feel to your left for the motor spindle. Grab belt, put it over motor spindle. You may need someone to rotate the drum for you at this point to help things along. Once done, rotate drum while looking down to ensure belt is tracking straight in the right position - previous wear should have left witness marks on the drum, so that should help you. Make sure drum revolves smoothly.

Stick in plastic tube previously removed. Replace vent housing thingy. Replace top. Check no bits left over :) Finished!

C_Steam, January 2009

A lot of this is going to be model dependant. Was looking at my Hotpoint condenser dryer the other day, and I have a couple of conclusions....

1) the belts are cheap.

2) Its a lot of work involved to change it; so much work in fact that I'd suggest you don't tackle this unless you are really comfortable with DIY procedures.

WARNING: Messing this up to the point where you have to get a bloke in, will probably result in a professional repair bill that will make it more economic to just buy a new dryer.

I'll offer a suggested plan of attack that may help....

Firstly unplug the dryer, you'll need access to all sides, so move it somewhere suitable where you can get at the beastie.

As you remove something like the top or sides, get your hoover, and use the flexible nozzle and remove the accumulated fluff from inside (if you get too much of this stuff inside, it can become a fire hazard!).

To begin, take the top off. Next pop the sides off, and get fluff busting!

You'll see the drum, motor, and other electrickery.

You'll probably need to remove the motor, so you can free the belt up.

The back of the drum will have a bearing that attaches to the back of the dryer. The front will rest on typically 4 bearing sleeves , you'll need to support the drum while you remove the front of the dryer.

Start with the door, and work in, until you have enough free room to remove the old belt, then slip the new belt over the drum. Start rebuilding in reverse of the components you removed.

Keep rebuilding until you have the thing in one piece.

Hope this helps...

Evil Twin, October 2008