My dryer goes on (I can hear sound) but it does not spin, so clothes are not drying.

58n58
by 58n58
Is this something simple that an appliance repair person can do, or would I be better off getting a new machine? If I am getting it repaired, what should I expect to pay?
  16 answers
  • Imagery Imagery on Jun 15, 2011
    Ari, this could very well be the drum belt. I would check this first. It could have broken, and in some cases, came off. How old is the dryer, and how heavily is it used? Belts aren't too difficult to replace, I have done a couple, but don't know how much a repair man would charge. Should be a service call and the price of materials. The belts can run about $10-25 give or take. Service labor for this will vary by company, but $50-$100 should more than cover it.
  • 58n58 58n58 on Jun 15, 2011
    Thanks for the reply. Being that my wife needs it working ASAP, guess I will get a repair guy over tomorrow. I'll let you know the verdict.
  • Imagery Imagery on Jun 15, 2011
    Great Ari, be sure to call around for a good price. I found that price shopping in the current economy can get you some pretty good deals. Good Luck!
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 16, 2011
    I did a belt on my old machine many moons ago...parts were less than 20 buck...but being my first time it took an hour or so to figure out how to free up the drum...with out a manual i was working in the dark. Sort term you could hook up a temp clothes line.
  • 58n58 58n58 on Jun 16, 2011
    KMS, I wish I had the time or talent to fix it myself. it does seem like a simple problem and something a repair guy can quickly fix. Thanks.
  • Right Imagery..... sounds like a drum belt
  • 58n58 58n58 on Jun 16, 2011
    It was the belt, had it repaired today. I was not at the house (my wife was) but the guy came with references and charged me $185 to replace the belt with a "top quality" belt (with 2 year guarantee) and checked the rest of the machine. Did I get taken to the cleaners? (yes pun WAS intended) Either way, the laundry pile is shrinking instead of growing which is most important :)
  • Hey Ari..... The drive out there and actually fixing the problem is definately worth it. Typical charge. Ever take a look at a medical bill after seeing the Doc for a few minutes? Just keeping it in perspective.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 17, 2011
    @level one...same thing with the dentist...the hygienist will spend 45 minute doing her part...then the "dentist" does his 2 minutes...his part of the bill is $60 while hers is 90. Not bad for a two minute peek.
  • I recently got my washer fixed because it made all kinds of sounds and wouldn't drain. Geek squad from Best buy fixed it for no charge, since I purchased a $14/3 year warranty and saved myself a big bill.
  • 58n58 58n58 on Jun 17, 2011
    @KMS, dead on!!! @Yamini, did you buy the machine at Best Buy? or can you get something like that on one from a different store?
  • Yes Ari, I bought my washer dryer from Best buy and also purchased a 3 year warranty on each. They don't cost as much and you don't have to pay when there is a repair. The store/product warranty is for a year only so I buy geek warranty for anything I buy from Best buy. From orange juice on my camera lens to a sock clog in the washer, I never paid for any repairs. Touch Wood!!
  • Imagery Imagery on Jun 17, 2011
    @Yamini, Nice to know they replace/fix items that aren't manufacture defects...Orange Juice on a lens...that's really cool. With as many kids as I have, accidents are a daily occurrence. Looks like I'll be checking out Best Buy on my next purchase! Thanks!
  • The price to repair the dryer was fair. However there is no such thing as a top quality belt. When it comes to these machines there is only one type and style that will work. Anyway, its sure cheeper then buying new machine. We had our older sears units for over 30 years. Replaced one belt and one igniter and one switch between both machines. I did not want to get rid of them, but wife said new laundry room and new machines. Now I have all plastic parts. Wonder how long they will last.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jun 18, 2011
    Tons of plastic in things is know in the world of manufacturing as "planned obsolescence" The item is designed to fail...so you can go out and buy another to keep the economy active. Case in point...I just bought a new $99 vacuum cleaner because after 5 years the old cleaners plastic motor mount failed...it would have cost $80 for a new motor and "frame" and then who knows what else would break soon. Its not just vacuum cleaners, just about any small home appliance falls into this category. Computers, TV, and most electronics do not fail so quickly but are left behind by new technology. I have a 32" "tube" TV that I've been trying to sell..even at 50 bucks this $1000 TV when new is Obsolete.
  • @Imagery, I got my lens fixed, ofcourse I didn't tell them about the orange juice. A few drops made the lens stick shut and wouldn't open, I told them the lens won't open and they fixed it, cleaned, I don't know what they did, but it worked! My old canon they replaced the lens itself after the lens stopped opening for some unknown reason, now that could be a manufacturing defect. I just feel safer getting a warranty on these things with 2 kids around always curious about the things in my bag!