5 Reasons Why Your Dryer Won't Spin

It's a common problem: You put a load of wet towels in the dryer, hit the start button, and… crickets. Your dryer drum is not spinning, and your clothes are left damp. Talk about a spin cycle of emotions. But before you consider replacing your appliance, let’s find out why your dryer is not spinning and share some possible solutions. 

“Why is my dryer not spinning?” Let’s investigate.

First, check if your dryer is plugged in and that the dryer’s two circuit breakers are both turned on. If those aren’t the issue, examine the door switch. 

When you close the dryer door, you should hear a click as the plastic peg engages the switch. If that peg is bent or broken, you’ll need to play handyperson and straighten or replace it. If the peg is fine, the switch has probably failed, and you’ll need a replacement.

Now, if your things start up, but the dryer drum is not turning, it’s probably one of these five culprits:

1. Broken drive belt

A broken drive belt is the most common reason for a dryer drum not spinning. The drive belt is a long, narrow belt that wraps around the drum, motor pulley, and tension pulley. When the motor turns the pulley, the belt rotates the drum. If this belt breaks, your dryer won’t spin. 

Give the drum a spin by hand. If it feels loose, the belt’s likely broken. Unplug your dryer and remove the lid to take a closer look. If the belt appears damaged or frayed, it needs replacement. 

2. Worn drum rollers

Most dryers have two to four support rollers. These small wheels support the drum’s weight and allow it to spin smoothly. When rollers wear out, they can cause the dryer to stop spinning. 

Check them out by removing the belt and spinning the drum by hand. The rollers may be worn if the drum doesn’t spin freely or you hear squealing. Inspect each roller for flat spots or damage, and replace them all at the same time to keep your dryer spinning smoothly.

3. Worn roller axles

Roller axles are the shafts on which the drum rollers spin. If these wear out, the rollers will wobble, causing a dryer that’s not spinning properly.

While examining the rollers, check if they spin freely on their axles. Any resistance or wobbling indicates worn axles, and you will have to replace the roller assembly.  

4. Worn drum glides

Drum glides are small, usually triangle-shaped plastic pieces that support the front of the drum. As the drum rotates, it slides on these glides. Worn glides can cause the drum to bind, putting strain on the motor and causing it to shut down.

Open the dryer door and look for plastic pieces near the front of the drum. If they’re worn down or missing, they need replacement. 

5. Worn drum bearing

The drum bearing supports the rear of the drum, allowing it to spin smoothly. A worn bearing can cause the dryer drum to stop spinning and produce loud noises. 

To check, remove the dryer belt and rotate the drum by hand. If you feel significant resistance or hear grinding noises, the bearing may be worn and needs replacement. 

Can I still use my dryer if it’s not spinning?

It's not recommended to use a dryer that's not spinning. Not only will it fail to dry your clothes, but attempting to run a malfunctioning dryer could cause further damage and waste energy. It's best to address the issue before using the dryer again.

Is your dryer not rotating? Don’t worry, be warranty, and let us spin into action.

When your dryer is not spinning, it can throw your whole world into a loop. But you don’t have to navigate the choppy waters of dryer repair alone. 

With American Home Shield, our dryer coverage means you don't have to worry about surprise repair costs or the hassle of finding a qualified repair Pro. With a home warranty, you can approach appliance issues with confidence, knowing you're protected.

Interested in learning more about how a home warranty can simplify your life? Check out our plan options to find the right coverage for your home. With American Home Shield, you're never alone in dealing with home repair and maintenance challenges.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.