Why is my dryer drum not turning?

Danielle Segev
by Danielle Segev

I've run into a bit of a problem with my dryer - the drum is not turning! It's causing my clothes to stay stuck in one place, and I'm scratching my head trying to figure out what's wrong.


Has anyone else faced this issue with their dryer? How did you fix it when the dryer drum wouldn't spin, and the clothes were just sitting there? I've heard about problems like the dryer motor not working or the dryer belt causing trouble. Does anybody have experience troubleshooting these?


If you've managed to resolve a non-turning dryer drum or know the common causes behind this glitch, please share your wisdom! I could really use some advice on how to diagnose and fix the problem.


Thank you

Dryer drum not turning

  19 answers
  • More than likely the drive belt is broken. Try spinning it with your hand. If it spins easily, that's the problem.

  • Janice Janice on Aug 07, 2023

    Find the manufacturer's name and model number of the dryer and contact their customer service department or visit their online site. Also, sometimes you can find informative youtube videos to make simple repairs or diagnose a problem.

  • William William on Aug 07, 2023

    Probably the belt is broken or loose. Check out https://www.repairclinic.com/. Put in the make, model number. They have repair guides, schematics, and sell parts.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 07, 2023

    Yup loose or a broken belt. If you have the instruction book, that might help you, or call customer service have the make and model numbers on hand when you do.

  • Dee Dee on Aug 07, 2023

    REpair Clinic.com can help you with how to install a new belt.

  • Deb K Deb K on Aug 07, 2023

    Hi Danielle, hope this helps you out.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLn4-UFhI9o

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 08, 2023

    Years ago my dryer did this and the belt was caught. My husband had to go in from inside and push the wall of the dryer shell out a bit to allow room for the drum and belt to turn properly.

  • Unfortunately this definitely sounds like a task for a pro. I'd be so afraid of breaking something inside the machine making things worse, personally.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 12, 2023

    One of the most common reasons your dryer won't spin is because the drive belt is broken. To find out if this is the problem, open the dryer door, reach in, and attempt to turn the big circular tumbler—the drum—by hand. If it turns too easily, the belt has probably snapped and needs to be replaced.

  • Betsy Betsy on Aug 12, 2023

    Hi Danielle: I had this same problem, and it was a broken belt. You can get a new one at https://www.repairclinic.com/ in your area. Sometimes they are a bit tricky to replace, but if you buy one, you may be able to get a handyman to put it in for you. Watch how he does it so that next time, if there is a next time, you can do it yourself :)

  • Yes, I agree. It sounds like a belt problem. All dryer models are different. Some are easy to replace others are not. I'd check YouTube to see if there's a posting on replacing it for your particular model. Then you can decide if it's a pro job or a DIY.

  • Annie Annie on Aug 21, 2023

    This video might be able to help out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4poVZSsOAY

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Aug 23, 2023

    I agree with Ann that more than likely the drive belt is broken. How old is your dryer? Is there a chance its still under warranty?

  • Stephie McCarthy Stephie McCarthy on Aug 26, 2023

    We had that happen recently, the belt was broken. We checked on FB marketplace and were able to get an almost-new dryer for $400. It's a beauty and I'd forgotten what it was like to have a dryer that actually worked well, lol!🤣

  • Hey there, Danielle! One of the most common reasons your dryer won't spin is because the drive belt is broken. To find out if this is the problem, open the dryer door, reach in, and attempt to turn the big circular tumbler—the drum—by hand. If it turns too easily, the belt has probably snapped and needs to be replaced.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 27, 2023

    I all else fails or you feel it is all too much, or you don't have the time. Call in the professionals - Service engineer.

  • Danielle Segev Danielle Segev on Aug 29, 2023

    Hi all, yes, it was the dryer belt, thank you

  • Mogie Mogie on Oct 21, 2023

    One of the most common reasons your dryer won't spin is because the drive belt is broken. To find out if this is the problem, open the dryer door, reach in, and attempt to turn the big circular tumbler—the drum—by hand. If it turns too easily, the belt has probably snapped and needs to be replaced.

  • Betsy Betsy on Oct 21, 2023

    Hi Danielle: Sounds like your belt is broken :( Check these sites, putting in your make, model, and serial number. You should be able to get some help here:


    Free User Manuals and Owners Guides | ManualsOnline.com


    ManualsLib - Makes it easy to find manuals online!


    Good luck