Several functions of a Maytag Centennial dryer depend on a working belt, including starting and spinning. So, it makes sense to consider a Maytag Centennial dryer belt replacement when the belt fails.
You can replace a Maytag Centennial dryer belt by disconnecting the dryer and then detaching the front panel and old belt. Then, fit in the replacement belt and return everything before reconnecting the dryer.
It’s that easy, and I’ll explain all six steps in detail to enable you to replace the defective belt quickly. I’ll also mention the requirements, the replacement cost, the signs of a bad dryer belt, and why it keeps breaking.
But first, let me explain what the dryer belt does on a Maytag Centennial dryer so that you can understand its importance. Let’s dive in!
What Does the Dryer Belt Do on a Maytag Centennial Dryer?
The dryer belt goes around the drum (and the dryer/idler pulley) and turns the drum. As the drum turns, so do the wet clothes, allowing hot air to circle and dry them.
Thus, without the drum turning, which depends on a working dryer belt, the Maytag Centennial dryer won’t dry, which means the clothes will come out wet.
Signs of a Bad Maytag Centennial Dryer Belt
You can tell if your Centennial dryer belt is defective by reading any of these signs:
- Drum won’t spin – The dryer belt turns the drum, so if it’s faulty or broken, the drum won’t spin. You can hear the motor running in most cases, but the drum won’t move. Remember, if the drum doesn’t move, the clothes won’t turn and dry.
- Noisy belt – The drive belt will likely make a rhythmic thumping or banging sound if faulty. Consequently, you should inspect it if you hear such sounds.
- Dryer stops mid-cycle – It’s not normal for the dryer to stop running mid-cycle. If it happens and the clothes come out wet, it could be because of a broken drive belt, which you should replace.
- Dryer won’t start – A broken drive belt sometimes stops the dryer from starting. So after ruling out power issues and wrong settings, you should check the drive belt for fault if your Maytag Centennial dryer won’t start.
Why Your Maytag Centennial Dryer Belt Keeps Breaking
You’ll realize that the drive belt often fails due to breakages. So, why does your dryer belt keep breaking? Well, it could be due to one of these reasons:
a. Wrong belt
If the dryer belt is the wrong size or weight, it will have difficulty turning and moving the drum. In consequence, the strain may cause it to break.
b. Wrong installation
The belt is likely to break if it’s wrongly installed, perhaps in the opposite direction or improperly aligned, it may break. That’s why you’ve to install it as the manufacturer recommends.
Typically, the dryer belt should be fitted with the smooth surface face-up or facing outwards, while the rough surface is face-down or facing inwards. Doing so allows the rough surface to grip the drum and idler pulley better.
c. Dryer overload
While you can occasionally overload the dryer and still be okay, you should do it repetitively. By overloading it, you overwork all components, including the drive belt.
The problem with an overworked drive belt is that it strains a lot and may give in to the pressure and break. Hence, learn to load your dryer correctly instead of taking the chance.
After all, an overload will stop the clothes from spinning, and even if they do, the clothes are likely to come out wet, or the dryer may be too noisy, producing a thumping sound.
d. Damaged pulley
The drive belt moves the idler pulley together with the drum. Since it’s in contact with the two, a damaged pulley may restrict belt movement, causing it to strain, and when it does, it may weaken and break.
The other thing is that the constant rubbing of the drive belt on the damaged pulley may lead to the pulley scratching and breaking the drive belt.
e. Extra tightness
You want a belt with the correct tension to move the drum and idler pulley smoothly. If it’s too loose, it’s likely to slip off the drum and idler pulley. However, if the belt is too tight, it strains a lot, accelerating its wear.
f. Damaged felt seal
The felt seal on the inside of your Centennial dryer shouldn’t be damaged to prevent the clothes from tumbling and the drum from getting misplaced. If it is, then it’s likely that the drum will be misplaced, creating extra friction that may damage the belt.
g. Clogged blower
The blower circulates hot air and expels it. However, it clogs up sometimes, and when it does, hot air builds up around the motor, causing it to overheat. Once the motor overheats, the heat weakens the belt, causing it to break.
h. Defective drum rollers
The drum rollers are responsible for supporting the drum as it spins. They have to turn; if they don’t, the drive belt will strain significantly and may break from the extra straining.
How to Replace a Belt On a Maytag Centennial Dryer?
Generally, you need the following to replace a Maytag Centennial dryer belt:
- Philips screwdriver
- Nut driver
- Camera (but a smartphone camera will do)
- New drive belt (matching Maytag Centennial dryer belt replacement)
Once you have the above requirements, follow these six steps to replace the drive belt:
Step 1 – Disconnect your dryer
You must disconnect the dryer from the power to avoid electrocution. So, start by turning it off from the wall switch and then unplug it.
Step 2 – Detach the front panel
Use the screwdrivers to unscrew the front panel, unhook it, and pull it out. Put the panel aside and take a quick photo of the drive belt while it’s in place.
Step 3 – Detach the old belt
Pull out the old drive belt from the drum and inspect it for damage. You’ll need to replace it if it’s damaged, which means completing the remaining steps.
Step 4 – Fit the new belt
Gently slot in the replacement drive belt according to the previous alignment. Thus, you may need to refer to the photo you took earlier to determine how the replacement drive belt should fit in place.
Spin the drum with your hand anticlockwise to ensure the belt has the correct tension.
Step 5 – Put everything back
Reassemble everything as they were to ensure nothing is missing and no similar problem arises.
Step 6 – Reconnect your dryer
Plug the dryer back into the wall socket and turn it on. The dryer belt should be able to turn, and the dryer should be able to start and spin.
How to Find the Best Maytag Centennial Dryer Belt?
Maytag dryer drive belts come in different options and so it may be hard to determine which one to get. You can, however, have an easy time if you consider these tips:
- Belt size – The drive belt size is essential if you want the belt to fit the dryer and enable the drum to spin. Thus, you should check your Maytag Centennial dryer belt size to ensure the replacement matches the one you are replacing.
- Part number – The other important consideration is your Maytag Centennial dryer belt part number. Remember, this is not the item number but the manufacturer number, and it usually starts with a #W.
Cost of Replacing a Maytag Centennial Dryer Belt
Generally, you can get a dryer belt for your Maytag Centennial for $20-$60 from the company website. If you, however, choose to hire a dryer expert, the cost may rise to $200.
People Also Ask
1. Where Is the Belt Located On a Maytag Centennial Dryer?
You can find the drive belt on the drum on a Maytag Centennial dryer. However, you must remove the front panel before accessing it, which requires you to unscrew it.
2. How Do I Know If My Dryer Belt Needs to Be Replaced?
There are different signs to indicate a faulty dryer belt. First, the belt becomes too noisy when the dryer runs, producing rhythmic thumping or loud banging noise. Second, the belt forces the dryer to stop mid-cycle when it breaks mid-cycle.
Third, a faulty dryer belt stops the drum from spinning. The motor may run and produce some sound, but the drum doesn’t move an inch. And lastly, a defective dryer belt can stop the dryer from starting.
The quickest way, however, to tell your dryer belt needs replacing is to closely inspect it for wear, tear, looseness, and breakages.
3. Why Is My Maytag Dryer Not Spinning?
Your Maytag dryer won’t spin for different reasons. It could be that the dryer’s power supply has been interrupted. In such a case, you must check for a power loss, tripped breaker, loose cabling, blown-up fuse, or faulty outlet.
If it’s not a power issue, then your Maytag dryer might not be spinning because of an overload, too much detergent, wrong setting, defective dryer belt, faulty motor, or worn-out drum rollers. Thus, you must determine which issue applies to your dryer.
4. Does A Maytag Centennial Washer Have a Belt?
Yes, Maytag Centennial dryers have a drive belt, which you can find on the drum. To reach it, however, you must take off the front panel.
5. What Happens When a Dryer Belt Breaks?
Several things may happen when a dryer belt breaks. For one, the dryer may stop running mid-cycle. Second, the dryer may refuse to start if it is off. And if it starts, it won’t turn the drum – only the motor will turn and make some noise, but not the drum.
6. Can A Dryer Run Without a Belt?
Usually, the motor will continue running and make some noise when the belt is faulty. That, however, doesn’t mean that the dryer can run without the belt, as it’s the belt’s job to turn the drum and eventually dry the clothes.
Concluding Thought:
Now you know what the Maytag Centennial dryer belt replacement is all about. You can check if your dryer belt is defective; if it is, replace it. Since it’s a DIY Maytag Centennial dryer troubleshooting project, you won’t have to pay a dryer expert, allowing you to get your dryer back spinning and drying as soon as possible.