I have a Whirlpool AWZ650 condenser dryer with a broken belt. I removed the top and back panel and can see the broken belt but it goes underneath the drum and I can't figure out how to access that area. Under the drum on the back there is essentially a bunch of plastic parts i.e. vents, etc that do not seem to be removable. Do I have to remove the sides and/or front to change this belt? Or, do I somehow have to remove the entire drum?

Thanks

Gert, July 2009

Just to follow up in case anyone else needs to do change a belt on this model. I did end up accessing it through the back. After taking off back panel and then the metal piece that rests against the drum, there is a black plastic piece on the bottom left. Remove the outer cover and there is then a wheel attached to a rod that needs to come off. It's held on by some weird pin that I unfortunately broke trying to get it off. After that, remove back plastic piece and you'll see the pulleys. From there its easy to put on the belt and reassemble.

Gert, July 2009

Thanks. I'll give this a shot today!

Gert, July 2009

well i have a hoover dryer but i suspect they are all basically the same.mine has a metal panel plate at the front bottom, which is seperate from the main body frame.it pries off from 2 clips mounted inside tiny slots.make sure the power is turned off. inside, you will see the broken belt.an adjuster with a wheel you push back towards the motor,placing the new belt around the motor wheel and the adjuster wheel, then slowly allowing the adjuster to go back in place. the adjuster fits into slots on bottom of dryer,but you do not have to remove the adjuster.should be a number on the old belt,but if not, call the manufacturer,or take the old belt to hardware store and match one up.also the adjuster is selfadjusting ,giving the belt the proper tension.

miner, July 2009