Make sure you ask for the slightly bigger belt, the one all the repair engineers use, this is a pattern part and not the genuine Hotpoint belt, as that one is a pig to fit.
Remove the 2 screws holding the top panel and slid it back to remove. Lay the machine on its front, there are 2 panels at the back, remove the 2 screws from the first one, this reveals the bush that holds the drum in place. This is held in place by an S shaped clip that passes through a hole in the drum shaft, gently bend the clip and pull out, then remove the screw that’s holding the bush in place.
Next remove the bigger panel, this houses the heating elements and fan unit, swing this to one side (the wiring to the heating elements restricts movement) there you will see the fan blade, undo the three small bolts and remove. I then screwed the panel back on with 2 screws.
To remove the main rear panel remove all the screws, gently with a flat screwdriver ease the tip in between the bottom panel and the back panel, there are to 2 clips that are bent over that secures the two panels together, they will bend up and you should be able to slide the back panel up. Again this has restricted movement due to the heater wiring, swing this to one side and you should see the drum and motor. Drop the new belt over the drum and force over the motor shaft. I used a piece of copper pipe; put one end over the motor shaft and slid the belt up until it on.
To reassemble reveres process, turn the drum round by hand to centralise the belt, run the machine and check all ok before replacing the top panel.
Alan, November 2009
