No you do not remove the drum you take the side panels off as you already have! On the top of the machine you will see two cross bars remove the 4 screws at the back two ether side you will see retaining clips moulded in the back panel you have to push the bars in to detach from the back panel! You have to remove the tank screws on the top of the back panel when you have done that you will see the drum can be pushed carefully back and you can slip the belt in! Hope this helps
Handyman John, September 2009