Tumble Dryer Not Spinning? How to Fix It Yourself
Laundry day is going smoothly until you hit a major roadblock. You load up your wet clothes, press start, and hear the motor running, but nothing happens. A tumble dryer not spinning is a very common household headache.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to rush out and buy a new machine. Many of the most common faults are surprisingly easy to diagnose. With a little bit of DIY spirit, you might even be able to fix it yourself.
Let’s break down exactly why your tumble dryer drum has stopped turning. We will also walk you through the steps to get it moving again.
Why Is My Tumble Dryer Not Spinning?
When your dryer stops spinning, it usually comes down to a few key components. Before you grab your toolbox, it helps to know what you are looking for. Here are the most frequent culprits.
The Tumble Dryer Is Overloaded
Sometimes the fix is incredibly simple and doesn’t cost a penny. If you stuff too many heavy, wet towels inside, the motor simply cannot turn the drum. The sheer weight of the load acts as an anchor.
Try taking a few items out and starting the cycle again. If the drum starts spinning happily, you have just saved yourself a repair job!
A Snapped or Worn Drive Belt
The drive belt wraps all the way around the drum and connects to the motor. Over time, these belts stretch, wear out, or simply snap from general wear and tear. This is arguably the most common reason for a drum that won’t turn.
To test this, reach inside your empty dryer and spin the drum by hand. If it spins very easily with absolutely no resistance, your belt is almost certainly broken.
A Faulty Start Capacitor
The motor needs a little electrical kick to get going. This initial burst of energy comes from a small cylindrical part called the start capacitor. If this capacitor fails, the motor won’t have the power to start spinning the heavy drum.
You can usually spot this fault by listening closely to the machine. If you hear a low humming or buzzing noise when you turn it on, the capacitor is likely dead.
Worn Out Drum Rollers or Bearings
Your tumble dryer drum doesn’t just float in mid-air. It rests on small wheels called support rollers or sits on a rear bearing pin. These parts help the heavy drum spin smoothly and quietly.
If they get worn out or clogged with lint, the drum can seize up completely. If you try to spin the drum by hand and it feels incredibly stiff, the bearings or rollers might be to blame.
How to Fix a Tumble Dryer That Won’t Spin
Ready to roll up your sleeves? If you have identified the problem, you can often order the replacement part online. Just remember to put safety first.
Always unplug your appliance from the mains before you start poking around inside. Never attempt to repair an appliance whilst it is still connected to a power supply.
Replacing a Broken Drive Belt
If you have diagnosed a snapped belt, replacing it is a brilliant DIY project. You will need to take off the top and side panels of your dryer to access the drum.
Thread the new belt around the drum, making sure the grooved side faces inwards. You will then need to carefully loop it over the motor pulley and the tension wheel. It can be quite a tight stretch, so take your time and watch your fingers.
Swapping Out the Capacitor
If you suspect the start capacitor is dead, it is a relatively cheap part to replace. You will usually find it located right next to the motor at the bottom of the machine.
Take a quick photo of the wiring before you disconnect anything. Simply unclip the old capacitor, swap the spade connectors onto the new one, and secure it back in place.
Unseizing the Drum
If your drum is stiff, you will need to inspect the rollers and rear bearing. This is a slightly bigger job, as you often need to remove the drum entirely.
Clean away any built-up lint and check the parts for obvious wear and tear. If the rollers are misshapen or the bearing is ground down, replace them before putting the machine back together.
When to Call the Professionals
DIY repairs are incredibly rewarding, but sometimes a fix is just too complex. If you are dealing with a burnt-out motor or a fried control board, it is time to call in the experts. Electrical faults can be dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you are doing.
If you feel out of your depth at any point, simply stop and step away. It is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with large electrical appliances.
Fast and Local Repairs in Wiltshire
If you are based in Wiltshire and need a helping hand, we are here for you. At Anderson James, we specialise in reliable domestic appliance repairs. We can get your tumble dryer spinning again quickly, usually on the same or next day.
We charge a simple, one-off fixed fee for our time, regardless of how long the job takes. This means you never get a nasty surprise bill.
Keep Your Tumble Dryer Spinning
Regular maintenance goes a long way in preventing sudden breakdowns. Always clear your lint filter after every single cycle to keep the airflow clear.
Don’t overload the machine, as this puts unnecessary and damaging strain on the drive belt and motor. Look after your appliance, and it will keep your laundry warm and dry for years to come.