Washing Machine Not Spinning? A New Belt Did the Trick!
A client recently called me in a panic—their washing machine had stopped spinning, leaving them with soaking wet laundry. After taking a look, I quickly found the culprit: a worn-out motor belt that had stretched and cracked over time, causing it to slip off repeatedly.
What Was Happening?
The motor was running, but the drum wasn’t moving. This is a classic sign of a bad belt. When it’s too worn out or loose, it can’t grip the pulleys properly, meaning no spin cycle and a pile of dripping clothes.
How I Fixed It
- Unplugged and prepped the machine – Safety first! I made sure the power was off and the water supply was shut.
- Opened the back panel – A few screws later, I had access to the motor and drum.
- Removed the old belt – Sure enough, the belt was cracked and stretched out. No wonder it kept slipping off.
- Installed the new belt – I found the right replacement and carefully fitted it onto the motor and drum pulleys.
- Checked the tension – A loose belt wouldn’t do any good, so I made sure it was snug and secure.
- Put everything back together and tested it – With the machine reassembled, I ran a test cycle. The drum spun perfectly, and the spin cycle was back in action!
Keeping Your Washer Running Smoothly
To avoid this hassle in the future, here are a few simple tips:
- Check the belt periodically – If you notice cracks or looseness, replace it before it fails.
- Don’t overload the drum – Too much weight puts extra stress on the belt and motor.
- Keep things clean – Dirt and grime can cause slippage and wear down parts faster.
With the new belt in place, my client’s washer was back to working like new. If your washing machine ever stops spinning, don’t panic—it might just need a quick belt replacement!
Damaged Belt – Grooves for the pulley are partially missing.
New vs. Old Belt – A side-by-side comparison of the worn-out and new belt.
New Belt in Action – Smooth movement after installation.
Exposed Washer Interior – View of the machine with the front panel removed