Kenmore Dryer: not tumbling

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dryer not tumbling? You may notice the motor running, but the drum remains still, preventing clothes from drying. This common issue can stem from several causes, including a broken drive belt or worn drum rollers. Understanding the problem is the first step towards a solution.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dryers typically share common mechanical causes like belt and roller wear; checking model-specific part diagrams can help locate correct replacement parts.

Possible Causes

Broken or worn drive belt

How to Identify: Try to spin the drum by hand with power off; if it spins very freely with little resistance, the belt is likely broken or worn.

Part: Drive belt

Worn or seized drum rollers

How to Identify: Drum resists rotation by hand even with belt removed; possible noise before failure like squealing or thumping.

Part: Drum rollers/support rollers

Faulty or stuck idler pulley

How to Identify: Belt tension feels slack and belt may slip; pulley may not spin smoothly on its shaft.

Part: Idler pulley

Blower wheel obstruction or damage

How to Identify: Motor runs or hums but drum won’t start; foreign object might be lodged in blower housing.

Part: Blower wheel

Defective drive motor

How to Identify: Motor hums but fails to turn belt/drum; overheating motor trips then resumes after cool down.

Part: Drive motor

Faulty timer or control board

How to Identify: Electrical cycle functions but drum doesn’t engage; other causes ruled out.

Part: Timer/control board

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, nut driver, work gloves
  1. Unplug dryer and move away from wall
  2. Remove access panels according to model guide
  3. Inspect drive belt for breaks or wear
  4. Remove old belt and install new one following routing diagram
  5. Reassemble panels and test dryer
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before servicing.

Check and replace drum rollers and idler pulley

Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, work gloves
  1. Disconnect power and open dryer cabinet
  2. Remove drum to expose rollers and idler pulley
  3. Inspect rollers and pulley for wear or binding
  4. Replace worn rollers and idler pulley as a set
  5. Reassemble and test drum tumbling
⚠️ Safety First: Make sure drum is supported when lifting.

Clear blower wheel obstruction

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, flashlight, needle-nose pliers
  1. Unplug dryer and access blower housing
  2. Inspect for lodged clothing or debris
  3. Remove obstruction and inspect wheel for damage
  4. Reassemble and test operation
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing blower housing.

Professional Repairs

Replace drive motor

Estimated Cost: $150–$300

Replace control timer or board

Estimated Cost: $100–$250

When to Call a Professional

If you are uncomfortable opening the dryer and handling internal components
If motor or electrical control components need diagnosis or replacement
If drum removal and bearing replacement is needed

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Lint buildup that can stress components
    Frequency: after every cycle
  • Inspect vent and duct annually: Overheating and strain on motor and belt
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not tumbling?
Common causes include a broken drive belt, worn drum rollers, or a faulty idler pulley.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not tumbling myself?
You can inspect and replace the drive belt, check drum rollers, or clear any blower wheel obstructions.
How much does it cost to fix not tumbling?
Professional repairs typically range from $150 to $300 for replacing the drive motor.
When should I call a technician for not tumbling?
If DIY solutions are too complex or if the appliance remains unresponsive, it's time to call a professional.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Broken belt (2 mentions)
  • Faulty motor (1 mentions)
  • Heating element issues (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the broken belt and possibly the idler pulley and rollers.

    Success rate: 33.0%

  2. Replace the heating element or check the belt and motor.

    Success rate: 33.0%
Analysis based on 3 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. kenmore elite dryer - need help identifying part / buying ma...
  2. Dryer wasn’t running. Replaced fuse, worked for 5 minutes. N...
  3. Flakey dryer Kenmore 110.69622800 - Sometimes won't tumble

Community Discussions

drum would not tumble, burned rubber smell

Replace the broken belt and possibly the idler pulley and rollers.

DIY View on Reddit →

Dryer not running, heats up but doesn't tumble

Replace the heating element or check the belt and motor.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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