Belt Snapped
I have an old washing machine and I think I probably overloaded it a bit a few weeks ago as the drive belt snapped. I bought a new drive belt, fitted it, put the washing machine on a spin and the belt promptly snapped again. Is there anything I should be aware of when fitting a new drive belt? Do I need to move the motor? Thanks for any help you can give.
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Washing machine drive belt snapping repeatedly
- The problem
- The washing machine's drive belt snapped, and a replacement belt also snapped immediately when the machine was run on spin. The user asked whether belt fitting or motor adjustment was required.
- Likely cause
- Most strongly supported causes were incorrect belt tension or a drum problem. The accepted reply says some machines need the motor slackened and belt tension adjusted, while others use non-adjustable stretch belts. It also notes a seized drum, worn drum bearings, or an internal obstruction could cause a belt to snap. The exact cause was not confirmed.
- What fixed it
- Check first whether the machine uses an adjustable belt or a stretch belt. If adjustable, set the belt only tight enough to 'ping' when plucked with a small amount of side movement. Before fitting another belt, ensure the drum turns freely and does not have excessive bearing play, and inspect the snapped belt ends for friction burning that may indicate slipping or seizure. The exact repair was not confirmed in the discussion.
- Checks to try
- Whether the belt type is adjustable or a stretch belt
- Belt tension after fitting
- Whether the drum revolves freely
- Whether there is excessive play in the drum bearings
- Whether the snapped belt ends show signs of friction burning
- Whether an internal obstruction may be causing the drum to seize
- Parts or tools mentioned
- New drive belt
Safety: Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
It used to be common for a new belt to be too tight, so when fitting one the motor had to be slackened off and the tension re-adjusted. However, many modern washing machines now have stretch belts that are designed to be only just tight enough to fit on and cannot be adjusted.
The drive belt should be tensioned tight enough to just "ping" nicely when plucked, and there should be a bit of play either side when you move the belt (in the middle) from side to side. Probably about quarter of an inch movement either side.
It's possible you had the tension too tight, but it's strange that your original belt snapped. If the belt tension is too slack, it can cause the revolving motor to cut into it as the belt slips when water and a wash load are added.
Another cause of a snapped drive belt on a washing machine (apart from wear) is if the drum seizes up while on spin. If the drum seized up, the ends of the belt (where it snapped) would show signs of friction burning as the revolving motor end cut through it. Although similar evidence would be present if the belt was cut through because it was too slack as mentioned above.
Before buying a new belt, make sure the drum revolves freely and there isn't a lot of play in the drum bearings. An obstruction inside the washing machine could cause a drum to seize up (sometimes temporarily)
Need Professional Help or Spare Parts?
Your Answer
Sign in to share your expertise and post an answer.
Related Questions
New World WDHT714W Bearing problem / Belt
1 answer • 5 replies
Miele W5740 drive belt come off and showing technical fault
1 answer • 4 replies
what's safer a belt driven or direct drive washing machine?
1 answer • 3 replies
Do rubber drive belts on brand new washing machines make a noise?
1 answer • 4 replies
Drive belt rubbing and noisy
1 answer • 4 replies
Belt Drive Washer: Drum will not spin
1 answer • 2 replies
Issues Fitting Washer Belt
1 answer • 1 reply
drive belt in my Hotpoint “WMBF-944 washing machine disintegrated
1 answer • 1 reply
ZWT71201 WA -38 ver Drive belt slipping off
1 answer • 1 reply
Bosch 1600 Express Belt spindle noise
1 answer • 2 replies