How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Dryer Belt? [2024 Data]

Dryer Belt Replacement Cost Factors

Photo: Hispanolistic / E+ / Getty Images

Type of Dryer

All dryer manufacturers and models will have different repair requirements, so let’s focus on the type of repair required. While a belt repair can be a ten-minute, $10 DIY, more often than not the issue is larger and therefore requires the repair or replacement of supporting parts, like a motor or pulley.

New Belt 

When replacing or repairing a dryer belt, the only two pieces you need are the belt and the belt lubricant. If you are repairing a belt, you may simply need to tighten it via the tension pulley and add lubricant. New belts can come pre-lubricated but if not, you’ll need to perform the same steps you would if you were repairing an existing belt. 

Labor 

By far the largest single cost when replacing a dryer belt is if you hire a local dryer repair professional. It’s not uncommon to see hourly rates between $50 and $110 per hour for this repair, and since the job itself is usually simple, dryer repair technicians will often charge a site fee simply to come to the property. These are often between $40 and $80. This cost can often rise, especially if you misdiagnose the problem, and the pro will need to dig further—and charge accordingly—to discover the real issue.

Symptoms of a Bad Dryer Belt 

Since dryers have enclosed mechanical parts, you can’t easily inspect a belt like you could in a car. Knowing the signs a belt is either failing or has already failed can help save both repair costs and can also help prevent damage leading to more expensive repairs. While there are a few telltale symptoms—like the drum not turning—others may be less obvious.

Most common signs of a dryer not working are:

• Squeaking when running the dryer

• Drum not turning when on

• Drum turning slowly

• Clothes not drying fully

• Drum is wobbling when running

• Burning smell when drying clothes

DIY Dryer Belt Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro 

Replacing a dryer belt yourself is a good DIY option if you have prior experience with appliance repair. The supplies are readily available at a hardware store and require basic tools like a screwdriver.

If you're less experienced or unsure, it's always better to hire a professional dryer repair technician. You'll avoid any costly damages to your dryer and rest easy knowing the job is done well.

Tips to Reduce Cost While Replacing a Dryer Belt 

There aren’t many ways to reduce costs while replacing a dryer belt. As we mentioned above, the number one way to save money is to do it yourself, but if you can’t for some reason—or just don’t want to—consider these money-saving tips:

• If a professional is coming for another job, see if they can fix it while already there. 

• Shop around for the best price. 

• Consider generic parts instead of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. 

• Perform routine maintenance to avoid repairs and increase life span. 

• Check your warranty—the part and labor may be covered.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.