Appointment Lookup
646-440-2692
Kenmore Elite dryer not spinning
Common reasons your Kenmore Elite dryer is not spinning
The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dryer is not spinning are a broken drum belt, open heating element or a worn drum bearing.
53% of the time it's the Drum Belt
14% of the time it's the Heating Element
8% of the time it's the Drum Bearing
25% of the time it's the Something else
Schedule your dryer repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 55,000 Kenmore Elite dryers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore Elite dryer
Drum Belt Replacement
When your dryer is not spinning, a broken drum belt could be causing the problem. The drum belt wraps around the dryer drum and connects to the drive motor pulley. The drive motor rotates the belt to spin the drum. Over time, the drum belt becomes worn and can break. A switch on the idler pulley prevents the motor from starting when it senses that the drive belt is broken. When the dryer won’t start, have a Sears Home Services Technician check your dryer and replace the drum belt if it’s broken.
Heating Element Replacement
If your dryer is not spinning, an open heating element could be causing the problem. The electronic control board on the dryer will detect when the heating element is open (or broken). When the control senses a bad heating element, it won’t start the dryer motor until the bad heating element is replaced. When your dryer is not spinning, schedule service through Sears Home Services and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the dryer.
Drum Bearing Replacement
A worn drum bearing can stop the dryer from spinning by overheating the dryer drive motor. Friction caused by a worn drum bearing will cause the drive motor to overheat and trip the overload that protects the motor from damage. A worn drum bearing can also slow the rotation of the drum and blower wheel so the thermal fuse blows. When your dryer stops spinning, have a Sears Home Services Technician examine the dryer and replace the drum bearing if it’s worn.
Why does my dryer have power but not spin?
Broken or disconnected drive belt
A broken or disconnect drive belt is the leading cause of a Kenmore Elite dryer not spinning.
If your Kenmore Elite dryer has a broken belt switch, the motor won’t run when the belt is disconnected from the drum or broken because that switch prevents the motor from getting electrical current.
When your Kenmore Elite model doesn’t have a broken belt switch, the motor will run but the drum won’t turn.
Checking the dryer drive belt in many Kenmore Elite dryers is fairly simple:
- Unplug the dryer to disconnect electrical power. Shut off the gas supply cut-off valve if you have a gas dryer.
- Remove the top panel mounting screws and lift the top dryer panel to view the drive belt on the top of the dryer drum.
Check to see if the belt is intact and fits tightly across the top of the dryer drum. If it does, then a different problem is likely preventing your Kenmore Elite dryer from spinning.
If the belt is broken, replace it or have a service technician replace it.
If you have a Kenmore Elite dryer with the lint screen housing on the top panel, you’ll need to follow the steps in this safe DIY video to access, check and replace the dryer drive belt:
If you’re not completely confident that you can complete this repair on your own, schedule dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix your Kenmore Elite dryer.
Bad dryer drive motor
When the drive motor buzzes and clicks off when trying to start, internal wiring or components in the motor could be bad. Replacing the drive motor in this situation will often cure the spinning failure in your Kenmore Elite dryer.
Here’s a DIY video that shows how to replace the drive motor in one of the most common types of Kenmore Elite dryers:
Replacing the drive motor in a Kenmore Elite dryer is a fairly advanced repair. If you’re not certain that you can safely replace the drive motor on your own, schedule repair service to have a service technician replace the motor.
Other causes of a Kenmore Elite dryer not spinning
If the above tips don’t help you find the cause of your dryer not spinning, a bad door switch, failed push-to-start switch, wiring failure or control system problem can also prevent your Kenmore Elite dryer from spinning.
This safe DIY troubleshooting video walks you through how to diagnose a common Kenmore Elite electric dryer that won’t start:
This video provides the same information for a Kenmore Elite gas dryer:
When you’re unable to find the cause of your Kenmore Elite dryer not spinning, reach out to Sears Home Services and we’ll visit your home and repair the problem for you.
What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite dryer not spinning issue
How is the not spinning problem fixed?
Correcting most not spinning problems usually involves replacing the drum belt, heating element or drum bearing. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.
Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that is not spinning
When the dryer is not spinning it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.
What to look out for with a dryer not spinning diagnosis
Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.
When you’re unable to fix a failure yourself, set up Kenmore Elite dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to fix the problem.
Non-spinning drums in a Kenmore Elite dryer often trace to snapped belts or seizing pulleys. Wet clothes remain stuck and risk odor. Rather than wait, call clothes dryer repair near me. Restoring tumbling ensures optimal dryness and keeps your Elite at peak performance.
What our customers say about us
With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it
Excellent service from Daniel
Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.
Tammy M, Hilton, NY
Satisfied customer
Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert
Rose W, Las Cruces, NM
Dryer service
He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.
Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Dryer Resources
Learn how to fix the dC code on your Samsung dryer with expert advice from Sears Home Services. Start your easy, DIY fix today or schedule a repair!
Learn 5 DIY troubleshooting tips to fix your dryer when it is not heating. Accurately diagnose why your dryer is not getting hot and fix the problem fast.
Find out why your electric dryer is not getting hot. Get expert tips to accurately diagnose and fix the heating problem.
Find out why your dryer keeps stopping in the middle of the cycle and how to fix the problem.
Glossary Terms
A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.
A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.
A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.
A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.