Dryer Drum Not Turning? Here’s What’s Really Wrong

When your dryer drum not turning, the rotating tub inside your clothes dryer that holds your laundry. Also known as tumble drum, it’s driven by a belt, motor, and support rollers—any one of which can fail and stop it cold. It’s not always a broken motor or a sign you need a new dryer. More often, it’s a worn-out belt, a seized roller, or a loose idler pulley—cheap fixes that take less than an hour.

Most dryers use a rubber dryer belt, a looped drive band that connects the motor to the drum. Also known as drive belt, it’s the most common culprit when the drum stops spinning. If the belt snaps or slips off the pulley, the drum won’t turn—even if the motor is running. You can check it by opening the dryer’s front panel and looking for cracks, fraying, or signs the belt has come off its track. Replacing it costs under $30 and takes about 20 minutes if you’ve got a screwdriver and a little patience. Then there’s the dryer drum support roller, small wheels that hold the drum in place and let it spin smoothly. Also known as drum rollers, these wear out over time. When they seize up, the drum drags and eventually stops. You’ll often hear a loud rumbling or squealing before it fully fails. A quick spin test with the belt removed can tell you if a roller is stuck. And don’t forget the idler pulley, a spring-loaded component that keeps tension on the belt. Also known as belt tensioner, it’s easy to overlook. If the spring breaks or the pulley bearing wears out, the belt goes slack and can’t turn the drum. All three parts are designed to fail before the motor does. That’s why you rarely need to replace the entire motor—even if the dryer hums, the drum still won’t move without a good belt and rollers.

If you’ve checked the belt, rollers, and pulley and the drum still won’t turn, the issue might be the motor itself—but that’s rare. More often, it’s a tripped thermal fuse or a faulty door switch that cuts power to the motor. These are safety features, not failures. You can test them with a multimeter in minutes. Most people jump to replacing the whole dryer because they don’t know these fixes exist. But with the right check, you can save hundreds and keep your dryer running for years longer.

Below, you’ll find real repair guides, step-by-step videos, and cost breakdowns from people who’ve been there. No fluff. Just what actually fixes a dryer drum that won’t turn.