Dryer Not Spinning (Drum Won't Turn) — Causes and Fixes
If your dryer runs and even heats, but the drum sits still (clothes come out hot in a clump), the problem is in the drive system, not the heat. The most common cause is a broken or stretched drive belt.
1. Broken or Stretched Drive Belt
A thin belt wraps around the drum and the motor pulley to spin it. When it breaks (very common with age), the motor hums or runs but the drum does nothing. Reach in and try to turn the drum by hand — if it spins with almost no resistance, the belt has snapped. A replacement belt is inexpensive and the most common fix.
2. Failed Idler Pulley
The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt. If it seizes or wears out, the belt slips or the drum won't turn (often with a squeal first). It is usually replaced together with the belt.
3. Worn Drum Rollers or Seized Bearing
The drum rides on support rollers. If they seize, the drum is too hard for the motor to turn, so it just hums. A rear drum bearing that fails does the same. Replace the roller set.
4. Failed Drive Motor
If the belt, pulley, and rollers are all fine but the drum still won't turn and you don't hear the motor, the drive motor may have failed (sometimes from an overload jamming the drum). This is a moderate repair. Make sure nothing is physically jamming the drum first.
Parts & Tools
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FAQ
Almost always a broken drive belt — spin the drum by hand and if there's no resistance, the belt snapped. A seized idler pulley or worn drum rollers can also stop it.
The belt is usually $10-20 and a common DIY repair; a belt + idler + roller kit runs $25-50. Far cheaper than a new dryer.
Always unplug an appliance and shut off its water supply before servicing. This guide is informational and not a substitute for a qualified technician.