If your tumble dryer runs but the drum won’t spin, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common complaints we see in Vancouver homes, especially during winter when laundry piles up. The dryer hums, heats up, and even vents air-but the clothes stay damp because the drum isn’t turning. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a sign something inside is broken. The good news? Most of the time, it’s a simple fix you can do yourself without calling a technician.
Check the Drive Belt First
The most likely culprit is a broken or slipped drive belt. This rubber loop wraps around the drum and connects to the motor pulley. Over time, it stretches, cracks, or snaps from constant friction and heat. If the belt is broken, the motor spins but the drum doesn’t move.
To check it, unplug the dryer and remove the front panel. Look for the belt around the drum. If it’s snapped, frayed, or hanging loose, that’s your problem. A worn belt often leaves a dusty residue inside the dryer cabinet. Replacement belts cost under $25 and take about 30 minutes to install. Make sure you get the exact model match-dryer belts aren’t universal.
Inspect the Drum Rollers and Axles
Even if the belt is intact, the drum might not spin if the rollers or axles are worn out. These small plastic or metal wheels support the drum’s weight and let it rotate smoothly. After years of use, they crack, flatten, or seize up. A bad roller makes a loud grinding or squealing noise when the dryer runs.
To check, spin the drum by hand. If it feels rough, catches, or doesn’t turn freely, the rollers are likely the issue. You’ll need to remove the drum to replace them. Most dryers have two or four rollers. Replacing them as a set is smarter than just fixing one-others are probably close to failing too.
Test the Idler Pulley
The idler pulley keeps tension on the drive belt. It’s a small wheel that presses against the belt to keep it tight. When it wears out, the belt slips and the drum won’t turn. You might hear a high-pitched squeal or notice the belt is loose even if it’s not broken.
Try pushing the belt with your finger. If it moves more than half an inch, the idler pulley has lost tension. You can often replace just the pulley, but some models require replacing the whole idler assembly. This part usually costs between $15 and $30. It’s a quick swap once you’ve accessed the back of the dryer.
Check the Motor and Capacitor
If the belt, rollers, and idler are fine, the motor might be the problem. But here’s the catch: dryers rarely fail because the motor dies outright. More often, it’s the start capacitor-a small cylindrical component that gives the motor an extra boost to get spinning.
A bad capacitor will make the motor hum but not turn the drum. You might also smell a faint burning odor. To test it, disconnect power, then use a multimeter to check for capacitance. If it reads below 80% of its rated value, replace it. Capacitors cost under $20 and are easy to swap. Never touch the terminals without discharging it first-they can hold a charge even when unplugged.
Look for a Faulty Door Switch
Many dryers won’t spin if the door switch thinks the door is open. It’s a safety feature, but the switch can get stuck or worn out. If the light turns off when you close the door but the drum still won’t spin, the switch might be faulty.
To test, unplug the dryer and locate the small switch near the door frame. Press it manually while listening for a click. If it doesn’t click or feels loose, it’s probably bad. You can bypass it temporarily with a jumper wire to confirm-but don’t leave it that way. Replacement switches cost around $10 and take five minutes to install.
Make Sure the Drum Isn’t Overloaded
Before you start taking apart your dryer, ask yourself: did you overload it? A drum packed with wet towels or heavy jeans can be too much for a weak motor or worn belt to turn. This doesn’t break anything, but it can make the dryer stop spinning mid-cycle.
Try running a small load-just three or four items. If it spins fine then, you’ve found your issue. Always follow the manufacturer’s load limits. Overloading doesn’t just stop the spin; it strains the motor, belt, and bearings over time.
What If None of These Fixes Work?
If you’ve checked the belt, rollers, idler, capacitor, and door switch-and the drum still won’t spin-it could be a problem with the control board or a wiring fault. These are rarer, but they happen. Look for burnt wires, loose connectors, or error codes on the display (if your model has one).
At this point, it’s time to decide: is repair worth it? If your dryer is older than 10 years, replacing it might be smarter. New models are 30% more energy efficient and come with better warranties. But if it’s under 7 years and you’ve already replaced a few parts, fixing the control board could be the last step.
Preventing Future Problems
Regular maintenance keeps your dryer spinning smoothly for years:
- Clear the lint filter after every load-clogged filters make the motor work harder.
- Inspect the vent hose every six months for kinks or lint buildup.
- Don’t overload the drum-stick to 70% capacity for heavy items.
- Listen for new noises. A squeak or thump early on can save you from a full breakdown later.
Most dryer failures aren’t sudden. They’re slow leaks of performance. Pay attention to the small signs-slower drying times, strange sounds, or a drum that feels stiff to turn-and you’ll catch problems before they leave you with a pile of wet clothes.
Why does my dryer hum but not spin?
A humming sound means the motor is getting power but can’t start turning the drum. This usually points to a bad start capacitor, a broken drive belt, or a seized drum roller. Test the capacitor first-it’s the most common cause. If that’s fine, check the belt and rollers next.
Can a clogged vent stop the dryer drum from spinning?
No, a clogged vent won’t stop the drum from spinning, but it can cause the dryer to overheat and shut down the motor as a safety measure. If the dryer stops mid-cycle and won’t restart, the vent might be the issue. Clean the vent regularly to prevent overheating and improve drying speed.
How do I know if the drive belt is broken?
If the drum doesn’t turn but you hear the motor running, the belt is likely broken. You can also see it by removing the front panel. A broken belt will be snapped, hanging loose, or covered in dust. Some dryers make a loud flapping noise when the belt breaks.
Is it safe to bypass the door switch to test the dryer?
You can temporarily bypass the door switch with a jumper wire to test if it’s faulty, but never run the dryer that way. It’s a safety hazard. The switch prevents the dryer from operating with the door open. Replace the switch immediately after confirming it’s bad.
Should I repair or replace my dryer if the drum won’t spin?
If your dryer is under 7 years old and the issue is a belt, capacitor, or roller, repair it. If it’s older than 10 years, or if multiple parts are failing, replacement is more cost-effective. New dryers use 30% less energy and come with better warranties. Consider repair only if the cost is under half the price of a new unit.
