Dryer Drum Not Turning? Causes and How to Fix It
You load up your dryer, press start, and hear the motor running,but the drum just sits there, refusing to spin. When your dryer drum not turning, it's more than just an inconvenience. It means wet clothes piling up and laundry routines completely disrupted.
The good news? This is one of the most common dryer problems, and in many cases, the fix is straightforward. Whether it's a broken belt, faulty motor, or worn-out rollers, we'll walk you through the main causes and show you exactly what to do.
Why Is My Dryer Drum Not Turning?
When you start your dryer and the drum doesn't spin, several components could be at fault. Most dryers use a belt-driven system where a motor turns a belt that rotates the drum. If any part of this system fails, the drum stops turning even though the motor might still run.
Let's look at each possible cause and how to identify which one is affecting your dryer.
1. Broken Drive Belt - The Most Common Cause
The drive belt is a long, thin rubber belt that wraps around the drum, motor pulley, and tension pulley. It's the most common reason for a dryer drum not turning because it experiences constant wear and can snap or slip off over time.
How to tell if the belt is broken:
Motor runs but drum doesn't move at all
You can easily turn the drum by hand (normally there's resistance)
You might have heard a loud snap before it stopped working
Looking inside, you may see the belt lying at the bottom
What causes belt failure:
Normal wear and tear over years of use
Overloading the dryer repeatedly
Dryer overheating due to poor ventilation
Age of the appliance (belts typically last 5-10 years)
The fix: The drive belt needs to be replaced. While this is technically a DIY repair if you're handy with tools, it requires disassembling the dryer cabinet. Many homeowners prefer calling a professional to ensure it's installed correctly and to check for other worn components.
2. Worn Drum Rollers or Bearings
Your dryer drum sits on small wheels called drum rollers (usually 2-4 of them) that allow it to spin smoothly. Over time, these rollers wear out, and their bearings can seize up. When rollers fail, they create so much resistance that the motor can't turn the drum.
Signs of bad drum rollers:
Loud thumping or rumbling noise when drum tries to turn
Drum is very hard to turn by hand
Visible flat spots or damage on the rollers
Dryer struggles to start the drum spinning
How to check: Unplug the dryer, open it up, and manually spin the drum. If it doesn't rotate smoothly or you hear grinding, the rollers likely need replacement.
The fix: Drum rollers should be replaced in sets, not individually. This repair involves accessing the inside of the dryer, which requires some disassembly.
3. Defective Drive Motor
The motor is what powers the entire drying system—it turns the drum, runs the blower, and in some models, operates other components. If the motor fails completely, nothing will work. However, if only certain motor functions fail, you might hear it running without the drum turning.
Symptoms of motor failure:
No sound at all when you start the dryer
Humming noise but no movement
Motor runs for a few seconds then stops
Burning smell coming from the motor area
If your dryer is also experiencing heating issues alongside the drum problem, you might want to check our guide on common causes when dryers stop producing heat.
The fix: Motors can sometimes be repaired, but they usually need complete replacement. This is definitely a job for a professional technician.
4. Broken Idler Pulley
The idler pulley is a small wheel that keeps tension on the drive belt. It ensures the belt stays tight around the drum and motor pulley. When the idler pulley breaks or seizes, the belt goes slack and can't turn the drum.
How to identify idler pulley problems:
Belt is intact but loose or has fallen off
Squealing or grinding noise from the pulley area
Belt appears stretched or worn unevenly
Visible damage to the pulley wheel
The fix: The idler pulley assembly needs replacement. Since you're already accessing the belt system, it's wise to replace the belt at the same time if it shows any wear.
5. Faulty Door Switch or Latch
Every dryer has a safety switch that prevents operation when the door is open. If this switch is broken or the door latch is damaged, the dryer thinks the door is open and won't start the drum turning, even if everything else works fine.
Signs of door switch issues:
Dryer lights don't come on when door closes
No response when you press start
Door doesn't click or latch securely
Interior light stays on even when door is closed
Quick test: Close the door firmly and listen for a click. Press the door switch manually (if accessible) to see if the dryer responds.
The fix: Door switches are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. The latch mechanism might need adjustment or replacement if it's not engaging properly.
6. Seized Drum Bearing or Glides
The front and rear of the drum rest on glides (plastic or felt pads) and sometimes a rear bearing. If these components fail or the bearing seizes, they create tremendous resistance that prevents the drum from turning.
Warning signs:
Extremely loud squealing or scraping noise
Drum barely moves or gets stuck
Black marks or melted plastic smell
Visible wear on drum glides
This problem is more common in older dryers or those that have been overloaded frequently.
The fix: Glides and bearings need replacement. This requires partial disassembly of the dryer and is best handled by an experienced technician.
How to Fix Dryer Drum Not Turning - Troubleshooting Steps
Before calling a repair service, here are some quick checks you can do yourself:
Step 1: Check for Overloading
Sometimes the issue is simple—you've packed too many clothes in the dryer. An overloaded drum creates extra weight that prevents it from turning.
What to do:
Remove half the clothes
Try starting the dryer again
If it works, you were overloading it
Going forward, fill the dryer only 2/3 full to allow proper tumbling and airflow.
Step 2: Inspect the Drive Belt
This requires opening the dryer, but it's the most common cause worth checking:
Unplug the dryer from power
Remove the front or top panel (consult your model's manual)
Look for the belt around the drum
Check if it's broken, loose, or off the pulleys
If the belt is broken, you'll need a replacement belt specific to your dryer model.
Step 3: Test the Door Switch
Open and close the door firmly several times
Listen for the click of the latch
Press the door switch (if you can access it)
Try starting the dryer
If the switch is faulty, replacing it is usually a simple fix.
Step 4: Check the Motor
Unplug the dryer
Access the motor (usually at the bottom front or rear)
Try turning the motor shaft by hand
Check for obstructions or seized bearings
If the motor won't turn freely, it likely needs replacement.
Step 5: Examine Drum Rollers
Unplug and open the dryer
Manually rotate the drum
Feel and listen for resistance or grinding
Visually inspect the rollers for wear
Replace all rollers if any show significant wear—they typically fail around the same time.
Common Dryer Models and Their Specific Issues
Different dryer brands may have unique quirks. For example, if you own a Samsung dryer experiencing drum problems along with other issues, our detailed guide covers troubleshooting steps for various Samsung dryer malfunctions.
Whirlpool/Maytag: Often use a tensioning system that can fail, causing belt issues
Samsung/LG: May have specific error codes displayed when drum won't turn
GE: Older models prone to idler pulley failures
Kenmore: Belt routing can be tricky during replacement
Quick Reference: Causes and Solutions
Problem
What You'll Notice
Difficulty Level
Solution
Broken drive belt
Motor runs, drum doesn't move
Medium
Replace belt
Worn drum rollers
Loud thumping noise
Medium-Hard
Replace roller set
Faulty motor
No sound or just humming
Hard
Replace motor
Broken idler pulley
Squealing, loose belt
Medium
Replace pulley
Bad door switch
Dryer won't start at all
Easy
Replace switch
Seized bearing
Loud scraping, won't turn
Hard
Replace bearing/glides
Overloading
Drum struggles or stops
Easy
Reduce load size
When to Call a Professional
While some dryer repairs are DIY-friendly, others definitely need professional expertise:
Call a professional if:
You're not comfortable disassembling your dryer
The motor needs replacement
Multiple components seem to be failing
Your dryer is still under warranty
You've tried basic troubleshooting without success
You smell burning or see sparks
Benefits of professional repair:
Correct diagnosis the first time
Proper tools and replacement parts
Safety when working with electrical components
Warranty on parts and labor
Ability to spot other potential issues
At Promix Appliance Repair, our experienced technicians handle drum problems daily. We carry common parts on our trucks and can often complete repairs in a single visit.
Preventing Future Drum Problems
Regular maintenance can prevent many drum issues:
Monthly:
Clean the lint trap after every load
Avoid overloading the dryer
Listen for unusual noises
Every 6 Months:
Clean the entire vent system
Check drum rotation smoothness
Inspect door seal and latch
Annually:
Have a professional inspection
Clean behind and under the dryer
Check all moving parts for wear
Best Practices:
Don't overload (fill only 2/3 full)
Remove heavy items like sneakers and coats
Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating
Address small problems before they become major repairs
Get Your Dryer Drum Spinning Again
A dryer drum not turning doesn't have to mean the end of your appliance. Whether it's a simple belt replacement or a more complex motor issue, most problems have straightforward solutions.
At Promix Appliance Repair, we specialize in fast, reliable dryer repairs including:
✔️ Same-day service - Get back to doing laundry quickly ✔️ Expert diagnosis - We identify the real problem, not just symptoms
✔️ Transparent pricing - Know the cost upfront with no surprises ✔️ Quality parts - We use manufacturer-approved components ✔️ Experienced technicians - We've fixed hundreds of drum issues
Don't let wet laundry pile up. Contact Promix Appliance Repair today and let our team get your dryer drum turning smoothly again.
Promix Appliance Repair services all major appliances including refrigerators, freezers, ovens, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, microwaves, cooktops, and range hoods. Call us for honest, reliable repairs you can count on.
