Is your dryer running but the drum won’t spin? This is one of the most common problems homeowners experience. It can be a sign of mechanical problems or worn parts. It is important to find out the cause and fix it in time. In this article, we’ll go over the common reasons why a dryer might not spin, explain how to spot the issue, and give you a fix. Also, check out pro tips from our top technician. Book our dryer repair service:
Reasons Why the Dryer Is Not Spinning
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Reasons Why the Dryer Is Not Spinning
Damaged or Frayed Drive Belt
If the drive belt is damaged, you may hear squeaking, squealing, or popping sounds. These sounds usually occur at the beginning of a cycle or when the drum speed changes. The sounds come from wear and tear over time, and the belt can even snap. Sometimes it can slip, catch on other parts, fall off, or get twisted. The belt’s job is to connect the dryer motor and drum and help it spin. When it slips or twists, it causes uneven spinning. This can put extra strain on the motor and eventually damage it.
Solution
- Unplug the dryer
- Disassemble the dryer to reach and check the belt
- If the belt is worn, damaged or torn, it must be replaced
- Make sure the new belt exactly matches your dryer model
Pro Tip:
When installing the belt, make sure it is properly tensioned. Also check the pulleys and guides, as belt damage can sometimes be caused by these parts.
Worn Drum Rollers
The drum rollers help the drum rotate smoothly and keep it moving. Signs of wear include squeaking, heavy vibration, and knocking. These sounds usually get worse over time and do not go away on their own. A common sign of roller wear is uneven drum rotation or severe dryer vibration. If the roller jams while rotating, you may hear a knocking sound.
Solution
- Unplug the dryer
- Take off the back panel and check the rollers
- If the rollers are worn out, damaged, bent, or don’t spin freely, they need to be replaced
- We recommend using original parts for replacement
Pro Tip:
Replace all the rollers at one time, even if only one is bad. It’ll make them last longer and keep the load even. Also, check the roller shafts for visible wear.
Worn Drum Bearings
Drum bearings are in the back of the dryer and help the drum spin freely without friction. Squeaking, humming, metallic knocking, or rattling sounds can mean they’re worn out. Worn bearings can damage the drum and also affect the motor. Try spinning the drum by hand when the dryer’s off. Do you feel resistance or hear squeaking? That’s a sign there’s a bearing issue.
Solution
- Take the dryer apart
- Check the bearings for looseness, rust, or noise while spinning. If you notice any of these, replace the bearing
- Also check the bushings and housing for damage
Damaged Idler Pulley
The idler pulley keeps the drive belt tensioned. If the bearing inside the pulley is damaged or loose, it may squeal, squeak or click as it rotates. Sometimes the pulley may jam, causing excessive load on the engine. It may also be covered in lint, dust or dirt, which affects its rotation and causes noise. After prolonged use, the pulley axle may be bent, resulting in uneven rotation.
Solution
- Unplug the dryer and remove the plug from the wall for full safety
- Remove the front or back panel (depends on your model) to get to the idler pulley. It’s usually near the motor and holds the drive belt
- Once you have access, check the pulley visually: look for wear, cracks, misalignment, or dirt. Try spinning it by hand — it should spin smoothly and quietly. If you feel resistance, hear squeaking, clicking, or if it’s stuck — it’s definitely time to replace it. Also check to see if the axle is worn or if the mount is loose
- If the pulley is dusty or dirty, clean it with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner
- Unscrew the old pulley, remove it and install the new pulley. Make sure it is tight and not wobbly
- Use an original replacement part
- After replacing and cleaning, reassemble the dryer and run a short test cycle
Pro Tip:
After repair, check the entire belt path before reassembly. It must be installed correctly and not rubbing against the frame or other parts. If the design allows, add a drop of heat resistant grease to the pulley axle for smoother rotation.
Faulty Drive Motor
The drive motor drives the blower drum and wheel. If it is malfunctioning or defective, the drum will not rotate. You may hear a humming sound when you press the start button. But it is often the case that there will be no sound at all. In some cases, a thermal overload inside the motor is triggered due to overheating or wear.
Solution
- Unplug the dryer
- Try manually turning the drum. If it spins freely, the issue might be electrical
- Check the motor for continuity with a multimeter
- Replace the motor if it has failed or is constantly overheating
Pro Tip: If the motor frequently overheats, check the ventilation system for clogs that can trap heat and overload the motor.
Repair Cost
| Belt replacing | $180 – $250 |
| Cleaning or replacing the rollers | $180-$280 |
| Drum rollers or drum bearings replacing | $220-$330 |
| Motor repairing or replacing | $200-$500 |
The price for dryer machine repair varies based on the brand, specific model, and how complex the issue is.
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6 Comments
I have a Samsung DV45K6500EV dryer, and the drum stopped spinning even though I can hear the motor running. I checked the belt — it seems worn out. Can you order the original belt and install it?
Hi Linda! Yes, we can order the original belt specifically for your model and install it quickly. This will help restore the drum’s proper rotation and prevent further damage.
If my dryer drum is hard to spin and sometimes makes a metallic scraping noise, could it be the bearing?
Hi Mark! Yes, this could be related to a worn or damaged bearing. Bearings help the drum rotate smoothly, and when they wear out, resistance and those noises appear. It’s recommended to check the bearings and replace them if needed to avoid serious damage and extend the dryer’s life.
I’ve heard that dust and lint inside the dryer can affect the motor and drum. How often should the ventilation be cleaned to prevent motor problems?
Hi Nik! Dust and lint can cause overheating and malfunctions. To avoid these issues, the dryer ventilation should be cleaned regularly—ideally at least once a year, and if you use the dryer a lot, every 6 months is better. Regular cleaning ensures proper airflow, reduces motor load, keeps the drum spinning smoothly, and improves the dryer’s efficiency.