Dryer Motor Issue: Common Causes and How to Fix It

When your dryer runs but doesn’t spin, you’re likely dealing with a dryer motor issue, the component that drives the drum rotation in clothes dryers. Also known as dryer drive motor, it’s one of the most critical parts in your dryer—and when it fails, your clothes stay wet and your laundry pile grows. Unlike a broken heating element, which leaves you with cold air, a motor problem means the drum just sits there while the dryer hums or clicks. It’s not always the motor itself—sometimes it’s something simpler, like a broken belt or a tripped thermal fuse. But if you’ve ruled those out, the motor is usually next in line.

A dryer motor replacement, the process of swapping out a worn or burned-out motor in a clothes dryer isn’t always expensive, but it does require some basic tools and patience. Many motors fail because of overheating, dust buildup, or worn bearings. You’ll often hear a grinding noise before it dies completely, or the motor might start up then shut off after a few seconds. If your dryer smells like burning rubber or electronics, that’s a red flag. The appliance motor failure, when the electric motor in a home appliance stops functioning due to wear, heat, or electrical damage isn’t always sudden—it’s usually the result of years of use. Dryers run hot and hard, and the motor takes the brunt of it. Even if the motor still turns, if it’s weak or noisy, it’s on its way out.

Before you call a technician, check the belt and the idler pulley. A snapped belt looks like a motor issue but is way cheaper to fix. Same with the thermal fuse—if it’s blown, the motor won’t get power. But if those are fine and the drum won’t turn, the motor is almost certainly the problem. You can test it with a multimeter, but if you’re not comfortable with electrical parts, don’t risk it. A faulty motor can trip your circuit breaker or even cause a fire if it overheats badly.

Most dryers last 10 to 13 years, and the motor is often the first major part to go. If your dryer is older than that, replacing the motor might make sense—but only if the rest of the machine is in good shape. If you’re already replacing the drum bearings, the heating element, and the control board, it might be time to think about a new unit. But if your dryer’s only problem is the motor, and you’ve got a reliable brand like Whirlpool, LG, or Bosch, fixing it is usually the smarter move.

Below, you’ll find real-world fixes from people who’ve been there. From diagnosing a silent motor to replacing it yourself, these guides cover the steps, tools, and mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a DIYer or just trying to understand what a repair tech is telling you, this collection gives you the facts without the fluff.