How to Replace a Condenser Tumble Dryer Belt (Hotpoint, Indesit or Creda)

When your condenser tumble dryer suddenly stops working, it can cause panic. But we have some good news! Repairing a tumble dryer can be as simple as replacing a broken or faulty part. For example, if you have found that your appliance is running but the drum no longer moves, that could indicate a faulty belt.

Other signs include:

• Being able to spin the drum easily with your hand.
• Smell of burning (if the belt is frayed).
• Thumping or slapping noises (created by the loose or snapped belt).

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, there is only one solution – you will need to replace the belt on your tumble dryer. While this is a lengthy process, it is still a simple repair for anyone to complete themselves without the need to call in a professional.

Here, we will explain how to replace the pulley belt on a tumble dryer. You will find a step-by-step tutorial alongside a video guide. This article features a Hotpoint tumble dryer repair, but it is also suitable for Indesit and Creda brands. Finally, it is important to note that this video shows an example of how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine. Appliance models may differ; however, the general procedure should still be similar.

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Pliers
• Safety gloves
• Replacement tumble dryer belt

❗ Note: As tumble dryer belts come in different sizes and configurations, you will need to order one that is suitable for your particular model of appliance. Learn where to find this number here. 

To begin, you will first need to remove the top cover. Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws located on the back at the top. With the screws removed, you can now take the top cover off - you may need to hit the cover with the palm of your hand to release it. 

With the top off, you can now begin removing the right-hand side panel. You might want to put on a pair of safety gloves here, as the edges of the panel can be extremely sharp.

To take off the side panel, you will need to remove the screws which hold it in place, once again using the Phillips screwdriver. There will be one screw at the top and four at the back.

With the side cover gone, you should now be able to see the broken belt.

Pull off the broken belt. If the belt is loose or damaged, you will need to cut it off. 

Remove the left side panel using the Phillips screwdriver. Once again, you will need to remove the one screw at the front and four at the back. You will want to put on safety gloves here once more, since the edges of the panels are known to be sharp.

Disconnect the two hoses that lead into the tumble dryer.

Then, use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the water container housing in place. You don’t need to remove the container itself; simply release it. 

On the inside of the cabinet, you will find electrical connections from the mains filter. You will only need to remove the ones that run down the top bracket. Take note of or take a photo of how they are connected – on this model, they are blue and brown; however, this may differ on your appliance.

The connections are held in place by a tab that you will need to press down. Then, pull them off to release.

Using the Phillips screwdriver once again, remove the two screw that hold the top bracket in place. 

With the top bracket released, you should be able to have a bit of movement in the cabinet. However, to be certain you have enough space to drop the belt in place, you’re going to need to release a couple of screws in the back panel. You will find those at the bottom of the back of the motor assembly side. 

Once the screws at the rear have been removed, you can now fit the new belt. You should have just enough space to drop the belt around the front and underneath the drum. It is a good idea to use safety gloves here as well, since you will be working inside the machine. 

With the belt now in place, you can use the belt to lift the drum into position. Oftentimes, you will find that the front panel isn’t going back into place. This is because the ducting behind the lower front panel has dropped down and is now out of position.

This is easy to fix. First, undo the three screws that hold the lower front panel and ducting in place with your Phillips screwdriver.

Then, move the front panel around with your hands to get it and the ducting back into its correct position.

With the drum and the front panel in place, you should now refit the three panel screws. Use the Phillips screwdriver once again.

Reconnect the electrical wires on the mains filter. Refer to your notes or photo to remember which connection goes where. 

Using the Phillips screwdriver, refit the two upper bracket screws. 

Refit the two hoses you disconnected earlier from the water container.

Then, secure it in place by refitting the two screws. 

Before refitting the left side panel, make sure to put on your safety gloves. Align the screw holes in the side panel with the holes in the cabinet. Then, refit the five Phillips screws you have taken off earlier – one in the front and four in the back. 

The belt itself needs to fit over the motor spindle to rotate the drum. In order to get to the motor filter, we will need to move the condenser fan out of the way. First of all, remove the cover by using a flathead screwdriver to gently move it away from the clips.

Then, remove the wire loom that goes through it and set the cover aside for now. 

Using a pair of pliers, remove the spring clip that holds the condenser fan in place. You will find this inside the fan itself. Simply pinch it and pull it out. You should be able to remove the fan now.

If the fan won’t budge, you can use the flat-head screwdriver once again to release it. Wedge it next to where it is attached to the motor and give it a few firm hits with the palm of your hand. This will dislodge the fan, allowing you to take it off and set it aside. 

With the fan out of the way, you’ll need to fit the belt underneath the motor spindle. It needs to be taught, so ease it through gently at an angle. 

The belt will then need to go over the tension pulley. As it is a stretch belt, you can give it a couple of pulls so you can fit it. Make sure that it is centrally on the spindle and the drum – you will probably be able to see a mark left by the old belt, so use that as a guide. Pull the belt slightly over the tension pulley and then pull it down with your other hand to wrap it around. You can always refer to the video to have a visual demonstration of how to perform this step.

Place the fan back on the spindle. Then, reattach the spring clip that holds it in place using the pliers.

Fit the cover back onto the fan – it should clip into place. Then, refit the wire loom into the loom. 

Put on your safety gloves and refit the right side panel. Secure it in place with the five Phillips screws – one in the front, four at the back. 

Finally, refit the top panel by placing it on top and then gently pushing it from the back so that it slots into place. Secure it with the two Phillips screws at the back. 

Following these steps, you should have no problems completing this tumble dryer repair. If you have any more issues with your appliance, you can view our diagnostics playlist on YouTube to determine what is wrong. And for any more tumble dryer spare parts and accessories, be sure to visit the eSpares website!