Replace belt
Access is through the FRONT of the dryer is replacing the belt. I suspect you are missing a digit in your model number. There are several model numbers that I was able to cross reference to, but the design of the dryer differs slightly. One model has a lower toe panel under the door, the other has a solid front panel. In either case, the change the belt, follow these steps:
1. UNPLUG the dryer and remove the lint screen.
2. Remove the two screws that were under the lint screen and lift the top panel.
3. Unplug the door switch conector plug and any ground wire that may be installed on the casing.
4. SOLID FRONT PANEL -
a. Locate the two screws that hold the front panel in place. There should be one screw on each side in the cabinet interior.
b. With the door shut, lean against the front panel and remove the two screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, grasp the front panel at the top center and lift straight up to remove.
5. SPLIT FRONT WITH LOWER TOE PANEL -
a. Insert a putty knife along the top seam of the toe panel where it meets the dryer front panel about 2 inches in from each side. Push in to release the retaining clip on each side, while pulling out slightly on the panel. Once the panel is released, it will open from the top. Set aside.
b. While holding the dryer door shut, locate the four screws that hold the remaining front panel in place. You shouldn't have to remove the lower mounting screws. Just loosen them. Then, locate and remove the top screws. Once the screws are removed, set the panel aside.
You should now have complete access to the dryer interior. If the belt is broken, this may cause the idler pulley (tensioner) to come loose. This is normal with no tension on the pulley to hold it in place. To install a new belt (if required) and re-install the pulley, follow these steps:
1. Loop the drive belt around the dryer drum with the groove side facing the drum. (Try to line the belt up with the wear marks already on the drum from the previous belt).
2. With the tensioner in your left hand, insert the clip end of the idler pulley into the grooves on the dryer bottom casing with the idler wheel pointing to your left. (The grooves are directly in front of the drive motor.)
3. While holding the tensioner in place, insert the belt UNDER the wheel with your right hand and pull it up and over the drive motor pulley.
If this does not explain it well enough, you can also verify by going to repairclinic.com. Click on the Repair Help link and look for the "Dryer Belt Diagrams" link under the Special Features section on the next page. Look for Roper and refer to diagram H.
Replacement parts (if required) can be ordered on line at any of the following websites:
searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com
All these sites offer great service with competitive pricing, so shop and compare. The first three sites I have listed also inlcude helpful exploded view diagrams that can help you locate and properly indentify the parts you may need.
NOTE: If you still have the teflon glide type tensioner, Whirlpool recommends you replace it with a conventional roller type idler pulley. The teflon type tensioners caused premature wear to the drive belt. The part number is 691366.
Once you have the belt installed, re-install the dryer front panel by holding it as you did previously. Line up the holes on the inside bottom edge of the front panel with the small mounting cleats on the front edge of the side panels for SOLID FRONT PANELS. Once you have the front panel in place, lean against it to hold it in place and install the mounting screws. This can be done by yourself, but an assist may make it easier.
For SPLIT PANELS, line up the lower part of the panel with the bottom two mounting screws. Push the top of the panel in to line of the top screws and tighten. Re-install the toe panel and snap closed.
NOTE: Don't forget to reconnect the grounding wire and door switch connector plug. Without the door switch connected, the dryer will not run. Lower the top panel back in place and reinstall the two screws.
NOTE: Placing a piece of duct tape over the dryer vent chute will help safeguard against dropping anything down in the blower fan assembly. If you drop any screws down the chute, you will need to remove the dryer back panel to retrieve them. If you have any questions about this repair, please post back and let me know. I hope this helps you.
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