Kenmore Dryer: not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dryer isn't spinning, it means the drum isn't rotating during the drying cycle. While the dryer may still heat or hum, clothes remain stationary. This is a common issue that can stem from various causes, including a broken drive belt or a faulty door switch. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective repair.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore models commonly have drive belt, idler pulley, and drum bearing failures causing non-spinning drums
  • Sears Home Services reports drum belt as cause in ~53% of Kenmore non-spin cases

Possible Causes

Broken or worn drive belt

How to Identify: Drum does not turn when motor runs or belt visible through access panel appears cracked/broken; drum turns freely by hand with belt removed

Part: Drive belt

Faulty door switch

How to Identify: Dryer won’t start spinning at all; pressing door switch manually does not click or show continuity in tests

Part: Door switch/safety interlock

Worn drum rollers or bearings

How to Identify: Drum difficult to rotate by hand; rumbling/grating noise when hand-turning drum; visible wear on rollers

Part: Drum rollers / drum bearings

Motor failure

How to Identify: Motor hums but drum doesn’t spin; no movement and continuity tests on motor fail; likely burning smell or overheating

Part: Drive motor

Electrical/safety component fault (e.g., thermal fuse, control board)

How to Identify: Dryer completely unresponsive or intermittent and no spin despite power; diagnostic tests show open thermal fuse or control issues

Part: Thermal fuse / control board

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set, work gloves
  1. Unplug dryer and open access panel to locate the drive belt around the drum.
  2. Visually inspect belt for cracks/breaks and check tension.
  3. If broken or worn, remove old belt and install a compatible replacement, routing it around drum and idler pulley before closing panel.
  4. Restore power and test if drum now spins.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before accessing internal components

Test and Replace Door Switch

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver
  1. Unplug dryer; locate and remove the door switch.
  2. Press the switch manually and test for continuity with a multimeter.
  3. If no continuity, replace with a new door switch assembly.
  4. Reassemble and test dryer spin function.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power disconnected before testing

Inspect and Replace Idler Pulley

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set
  1. Unplug dryer and remove the back panel to access drive system.
  2. Check idler pulley for wear or seize.
  3. Remove old pulley and install a new one, ensuring proper belt tension.
  4. Reassemble unit and test drum rotation.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power first

Check and Replace Drum Rollers/Bearings

Advanced 1–2 hours
Tools Needed: socket set, screwdriver, service manual
  1. Unplug dryer and remove appropriate panels to access drum rollers and bearings.
  2. Rotate drum manually to assess roller/bearing condition.
  3. Remove worn components and install replacements.
  4. Reassemble and test drum spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Requires disassembly and careful handling

Professional Repairs

Drive Motor Replacement

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

Control Board or Safety Component Replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Dryer makes unusual burning smells or loud grinding noises
Drum is completely seized and won’t turn by hand
Motor or control board diagnostics indicate electrical failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean and inspect dryer vent and lint filter: Overheating and belt strain
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect belt and rollers annually: Unexpected mechanical failure
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not spinning?
Common causes include a broken drive belt, faulty door switch, or worn drum rollers.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not spinning myself?
You can inspect and replace the drive belt, test the door switch, or check drum rollers.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning?
Professional repairs can range from $100 to $300, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning?
If DIY fixes are too complex or you're unsure, it's best to consult a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Broken belt (4 mentions)
  • Motor failure (2 mentions)
  • Door switch issue (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace broken belt and door switch

    Success rate: 12.0%

  2. Check motor function and belt installation; consider replacing start capacitor

    Success rate: 12.0%
Analysis based on 7 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Dryer will not spin unless I manually spin the drum.
  2. Kenmore HE2 gas dryer won't spin
  3. Need help. Kenmore Dryer HE4 powers on but does not spin. 2...
  4. Dryer [Kenmore "Model 90" 11064912200] Heats up but doesn't ...
  5. Kenmore Dryer Hums, Won't Spin Sometimes
  6. dryer not spinning
  7. Replaced dryer belt and now drum wont spin

Community Discussions

Heats up but doesn't spin

The belt was broken, and the door switch was also replaced for good measure.

DIY View on Reddit →

drum won't spin

Check if the motor is failing or if the belt is installed correctly; consider replacing the start capacitor.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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