Instructions on Replacing Dryer Belt and Idler Arm for a Maytag Electric Dryer
- 1). Unplug your Maytag dryer from the electrical outlet. Reach behind the dryer and disconnect the dryer vent from the back of the dryer. Slide the dryer out from the wall to give yourself room to work.
- 2). Open the door and remove the four screws around the door jamb. Lift the door up off of the hinges and remove it from the dryer. This reveals the U-shaped front panel.
- 3). Pull the upper posts on the front panel toward you to unclip them from the top panel. Lift the front panel up to disengage the bottom clips. Slide the front panel to the side of the dryer.
- 4). Remove the two screws and clips in the upper corners of the dryer to release the front section of the top panel. Remove the four screws along the sides of the dryer's front bulkhead. Lift the top panel up a few inches and slide the bulkhead away from the dryer. Disconnect the door switch wires and slide the bulkhead to the side.
- 5). Reach under the dryer's drum and press in on the idler arm attached to the motor. This releases the drum belt from the motor and idler pulley. Make a note of how the belt was looped through the motor and idler pulleys. Slide the drum out of the dryer's cabinet.
- 6). Remove the mounting bolts connecting the idler arm to the motor with a socket wrench and lift the idler arm out of the dryer. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the retaining clip off of the pulley wheel and slide the wheel and washer off of the pulley arm.
- 7). Slide the washer and pulley wheel onto the new pulley arm. Snap the retaining clip in place and mount the new pulley arm to the motor using the previously removed mounting bolts.
- 8). Slide a new belt around the drum and slide the drum back into the dryer cabinet. Loop the belt around the idler pulley and motor pulley. The belt should run from the drum and loop around the motor pulley. It should then run over the idler pulley and run back up the drum.
- 9). Replace the bulkhead, front panel and door. Reconnect the dryer vent and plug your dryer back into the electrical outlet.
