Is the Dryer Not Spinning? Here Are DIY Fixes
If you discover that your clothes are still wet even after removing them from the dryer, or if you observe that your dryer is not tumbling despite being turned on, it might require some maintenance. Read on to find out about the typical problems that can cause a dryer not spinning and how you can troubleshoot them.
Reasons your dryer won’t spin.
There might be several common reasons why your dryer is not spinning. Here are the most frequently occurring ones:
The dryer is Not Plugged in.
To begin troubleshooting, ensure your dryer is connected correctly by checking if it’s plugged in. Additionally, check for any power-related problems, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse.
Faulty Dryer Door
If the dryer door switch of your dryer is faulty, as indicated by the drum light not turning off, the dryer will not be able to run a full dryers spin cycle.
The dryer has a seized drum.
If you have trouble moving the drum of your dryer by hand, it could indicate that the drum has become stuck or seized.
The thermal fuse isn’t working.
As a safety measure, the thermal fuse is connected to the heating chamber of the dryer. If the temperature inside the chamber becomes too high and the thermal fuse blows, the main power supply to electric dryers will be cut off.
The dryer belt is broken.
As time passes, the dryer belt may break due to usage. The belt is responsible for drum spins and allowing your clothes to dry, so if it breaks, the appliance will not be able to spin freely enough to dry your clothes.
The dryer has a broken motor.
The dryer’s motor is responsible for rotating the belt, which rotates the tumbler. If the dryer motor is malfunctioning correctly, the drum will not rotate.
The drum rollers are malfunctioning.
When the rollers in your dryer don’t spin easily, the motor may become overburdened and stop working. You can check if the rollers are worn out by manually removing the dryer belt and trying to turn the drum. If the drum doesn’t spin easily or gets stuck, it’s a sign that the rollers may need to be replaced due to wear and tear. It’s also essential to inspect the drum roller axles at the same time. If the drum support rollers are in poor condition and wobble, the axles should be replaced.
Common solutions for a dryer not spinning
Here’s a way to make your dryer rotate once again:
Push the reset button.
If your dryer is not functioning correctly, you may need to use its reset button to reset the appliance.
Learn the best way to replace faulty parts.
If you’re experiencing problems with a defective door switch or a broken dryer belt, replacing these faulty parts as soon as possible is essential. Depending on the item that needs replacing, you can find a suitable replacement at a local store or online.
However, certain parts may only be available from the manufacturer, so it’s worth checking with them to see if you need to obtain the part from them. If you buy a replacement part from a different home improvement store, it may not be compatible with your appliance, and you may need to get the part directly from the manufacturer.
Replace the dryer belt.
Examine the condition of the dryer belt to determine if it needs to be replaced. Hiring a technician is advisable if you need more clarification about replacing the belt. Typically, you can expect to pay around $300 for professional assistance and approximately $20 for a new dryer belt.
How to get your dryer to push start spinning again
If your dryer is still not rotating, there are some steps you can take to remove worn drum rollers or broken dryer belt by yourself.
Disable the power
Before taking any action, ensure that the machine is not receiving any power from the circuit breaker box. If your dryer is powered by gas, turn off the gas supply.
Check the thermal fuse.
To check if a fuse has blown, you will need to remove the back panel of your dryer and perform a continuity test. Although replacing a thermal fuse is simple, it’s essential to identify if your dryer is experiencing an overheating problem. If you don’t address this issue, the fuse may blow again.
Raise the lid on the machine.
Open the lid and inspect the condition of the dryer belt. If you notice that it’s worn out or visibly torn, The most common reason is that the drive belt has come loose or broken. You’ll need to replace it.
Remove the front panel.
First, disconnect the electrical connection located at the front of the dryer. Then, remove the mounting screws that secure the front panel in place.
Remove the old belt.
The method for removing the old belt of a dryer will vary depending on its type. Removing the belt may be possible without removing the drum. However, if this is not an option, the old belt can be cut away, and the drum can be carefully removed to gain access to the dryer motor and idler pulley.
Install the new belt.
To install the new drive belt:
- Follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions on threading it through or around the idler pulley.
- Thread the belt over the drive motor pulley.
- When placing the new belt around the dryer drum bearing, ensure the rubber surface touches the drum.
Reposition the drum
After installing the new belt, gently position the drum back into its place. Then, reassemble the items in the same order they were removed. Once all parts are back in their respective positions, plug the machine back in. If the gas was previously disabled, remember to turn it on.
When to call in a professional
Although you may want to repair your dryer independently, certain situations require a professional repair service. The following are a few instances when it is best to contact a professional repair technician for assistance:
You need to figure out what to do.
Suppose you are genuinely unsure of the issue with your dryer or need more confidence in your ability to repair it yourself. In that case, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a technician. Attempting a DIY repair in uncertain situations is not recommended. This could exacerbate the problem, potentially leading to more significant repair costs or the need to replace the entire dryer.
You need to figure out your safety.
Suppose you are facing a significant electrical or heating problem with your dryer or anything that makes you unsure of performing proper maintenance. In that case, it’s recommended to seek help from a professional. It’s crucial to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you might get badly burned or suffer an electric shock.
The service is affordable and saves you time.
If you need more time to fix your dryer, consider contacting a trustworthy professional to repair you. Seek recommendations from your friends and family, peruse reliable third-party reviews, and give a technician a call.
The problem doesn’t seem to be the dryer.
Your appliance may not function due to factors that do not directly correlate with the device itself. For example, a significant power outage may necessitate the attention of an electrician. Alternatively, a water problem might require the expertise of a plumber. If you suspect that the issue is more extensive than just the appliance, you may need to enlist the services of a professional.
What are dryer drum glides made of?
Dryer drum glides are commonly made of a type of plastic called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is also known by the brand name Teflon. PTFE is a durable and heat-resistant material that is often used in industrial and household applications where there is a need for low friction and high-temperature resistance. The drum glides are attached to the front drum support of the dryer and help the drum to rotate smoothly and quietly.
