When your dryer hums along like everything is fine but the drum stays still, it’s frustrating. We’ve been there. The machine powers up, the timer ticks, and warm air may even be blowing, but the clothes don’t budge. That’s usually the sign of a mechanical or electrical issue within the dryer—not something you can ignore for long.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the common causes of a dryer that runs but doesn’t spin. We’ll keep the language simple and the steps straightforward. Our goal is to help you understand what could be wrong, what’s safe to check on your own, and when to get help.
Start with the Drive Belt
One of the most common reasons your dryer isn’t spinning is a broken or slipped drive belt. This belt wraps around the drum and motor pulley. It’s responsible for actually turning the drum while the motor runs. Over time, belts wear out or snap. If the dryer is running but the drum isn’t moving, this is one of the first things we check.
To confirm this issue, unplug the dryer and open the top panel or front access door, depending on the model. Try turning the drum by hand. If it turns too easily or feels loose, there’s a good chance the belt is either broken or not connected.
We’ve replaced plenty of these belts during dryer repair in Calgary. It’s a fix that can be done quickly when caught early. However, keep in mind that if the belt broke due to another issue—like a jammed drum—you’ll want to check deeper.
Check the Drum Support Rollers
If the belt looks intact, the next parts to examine are the drum support rollers. These are small wheels that help hold the drum in place and allow it to spin smoothly. When these wear out, the drum may lock up or become hard to turn. That causes the belt to slip or the motor to struggle even though it’s running.
We always look at the rollers if the dryer makes loud noises, thumps, or simply stops spinning altogether. To inspect them, the drum often needs to be removed, which may involve taking off the front or rear panel.
The good news is, worn rollers don’t always mean you need a new dryer. In many cases, replacing the set can get your unit spinning again without much hassle.
Don’t Overlook the Idler Pulley
Right alongside the belt and rollers is the idler pulley. This little wheel keeps tension on the drive belt, making sure it stays snug around the drum and motor. Without proper tension, the belt slips and the drum won’t turn.
We’ve seen idler pulleys seize up, wear out, or fall out of alignment. As a result, the dryer may sound like it’s working, but nothing inside is moving. In some models, a failing idler pulley also causes a high-pitched squeal.
If you’re comfortable with dryer disassembly, you can inspect the pulley for movement and wear. But if not, this might be the right time to schedule appliance repair in Calgary and let a technician take a closer look.
Look Into the Motor
When belts, rollers, and pulleys check out, the motor itself could be the issue. A dryer motor powers the blower and turns the drum. Sometimes the motor runs but loses its ability to spin the drum due to internal failure or electrical issues.
To diagnose this, we usually listen for humming or buzzing sounds. If the motor hums without starting, it may be stuck. On the other hand, if the motor runs freely but the drum still doesn’t spin, the internal switch or motor shaft might be faulty.
Replacing a motor is more complex than replacing belts or rollers. We usually recommend a professional diagnosis to confirm the issue and handle the fix properly.
Broken Drum Glides or Bearings
Depending on the dryer model, the drum either sits on rollers or glides. Glides are plastic or felt pads that the front of the drum slides against. Over time, these can wear down or crack, making the drum hard to move.
When glides break or wear unevenly, the drum might tilt or become stuck. That can cause the belt to lose grip or break entirely. We’ve also seen cases where broken glides cause noise or internal damage if not replaced in time.
If you suspect glide issues, inspect the front area where the drum touches the frame. Any worn patches or debris buildup can be a sign it’s time for new ones.
Faulty Door Switch
Here’s one that surprises a lot of people: the door switch. Your dryer won’t spin unless the door is fully closed and the switch is triggered. If the switch is broken or misaligned, the machine may think the door is open and won’t allow spinning even if the motor runs.
It’s a small part but an important one. Try pressing the switch manually with the door open and listen for a click. If nothing happens, the switch could be faulty.
Replacing the switch is usually simple, but identifying it as the problem takes a bit of patience. Still, it’s a relatively inexpensive part that can bring a dead drum back to life.
Control Board or Timer Issues
Although mechanical issues are more common, we sometimes run into problems with the control board or timer. If the dryer’s control system isn’t sending the right signals, the motor might run without activating the spinning function.
In some dryers, this shows up as strange behavior—like the unit turning off early, running for too long, or running without tumbling.
These issues are often tricky because they mimic other symptoms. We usually recommend testing all mechanical parts first. If nothing’s wrong there, then the control board might be the real culprit.
Electrical Supply Problems
Sometimes, the dryer isn’t the problem, it’s the power. Most dryers use a 240V supply that splits into two 120V legs. One leg powers the motor and the other powers the heating element. If one leg fails, the dryer might heat or run the motor but not both.
A partially tripped breaker, faulty outlet, or wiring problem could be to blame. You can test the outlet with a multimeter to see if both legs are supplying proper voltage. However, if you’re not comfortable with electrical testing, it’s best to get help.
To be safe, always unplug the dryer or turn off its breaker before opening or inspecting anything inside.
Lint and Obstruction Issues
This one’s less obvious but still worth mentioning. Lint buildup around the drum or inside the motor housing can restrict movement. Over time, lint finds its way into bearings, fans, and belts, where it creates resistance. That resistance can stop the drum from turning even if the motor runs.
We’ve seen dryers fail simply due to long-term lint accumulation in hidden spots. That’s why routine cleaning matters. At least once a year, we recommend removing the rear panel or front kick plate and vacuuming out the internal areas.
Even if it doesn’t fix a current issue, it might prevent the next one.
Still Not Sure? Get a Second Opinion
If you’ve checked all the obvious parts and still can’t find the issue, it might be time to get a second set of eyes. We’ve worked on all types of dryer models, and we know how small parts can cause big problems.
You don’t have to guess or dig through complex diagrams. It’s often faster and safer to let a trained tech check everything thoroughly. To make things easier, you can contact us to schedule a quick inspection or service call. We’ll help you get back to normal without guessing or taking risks.
FAQs
Why is my dryer running but the drum isn’t moving?
This usually means the drive belt is broken or has slipped off. It could also be an issue with rollers, glides, or the motor not engaging the drum.
Can I fix a dryer belt myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable disassembling the dryer and have the right replacement part. Just be sure to unplug the unit and follow safe handling practices.
What if the dryer spins sometimes and stops other times?
This might point to a worn belt, failing motor, or loose pulley. It’s worth checking for signs of wear or overheating near those parts.
How do I know if my dryer motor is bad?
If you hear a humming sound without spinning or if the drum won’t move even with a working belt, the motor may be seized or electrically damaged.
Should I replace my dryer or repair it?
If the dryer is under 10 years old and the issue is with a common part like a belt or pulley, repair is often worth it. However, major failures in the motor or control board may justify replacement.