Ever been frustrated because your LG dryer just decided to go on strike and the drum won’t turn? You’re not alone.
Most times, it’s either a worn-out idler pulley or a snapped drive belt throwing a wrench in the works.
Before you call in the pros and break the bank, let’s spin through some DIY checks, including giving that drive belt and idler pulley a once-over.
Who knows? With a bit of luck and elbow grease, we might just get that drum spinning again without flipping a single breaker.
Why Is My LG Dryer Drum Not Turning?
If your LG dryer drum isn’t turning, it can be a frustrating issue that disrupts your laundry routine.
Several potential causes could be behind this problem, and understanding them can help you diagnose and fix the issue efficiently.
Here are the common reasons your LG dryer drum might not be turning, along with technical insights and case studies.
1. Broken Drive Belt
The drive belt is crucial for the drum to spin. If it’s broken, the drum won’t turn at all. To check, you can manually spin the drum; if it spins freely, the belt is likely broken.
Replacing the drive belt involves accessing the drum, removing the old belt, and fitting a new one around the motor and drum (Appliance Parts Pros) (Today’s Homeowner).
2. Worn Drum Roller
Drum rollers support the drum as it spins. Over time, these rollers can wear out, causing the drum to stop turning smoothly. You might hear a thumping or squealing noise if the rollers are worn.
To fix this, you need to replace the worn rollers, which involves removing the drum and installing new rollers (Appliance Parts Pros) (Appliance Parts Pros).
3. Damaged Drum Roller Axle
The drum roller axles can also wear out or become damaged. If the axles are worn, the drum won’t turn properly.
Replacing the axles involves a similar process to replacing the rollers: removing the drum, taking out the old axles, and installing new ones (Appliance Parts Pros).
4. Faulty Drive Motor
The drive motor is responsible for turning the drum and the blower wheel. If the motor is faulty, it may hum or fail to start altogether.
To diagnose, check for any blockages in the blower wheel and ensure the drum can turn freely with the belt removed. If the motor is still faulty, it will need to be replaced (Appliance Parts Pros) (Today’s Homeowner).
5. Broken Idler Pulley
The idler pulley keeps the drive belt tight, ensuring it can properly turn the drum. If the idler pulley is worn out or broken, the belt may slip off, causing the drum to stop spinning.
Replacing the idler pulley typically involves accessing the belt and motor assembly and installing a new pulley (Fix.com).
6. Defective Drum Support Roller
Similar to the drum rollers, the drum support rollers help maintain the drum’s balance and spin. If these rollers are defective, they can cause the drum to wobble or stop spinning.
Replacing these involves removing the drum and installing new support rollers (Appliance Parts Pros).
7. Malfunctioning Drum Bearing
The drum bearing supports the rear of the drum. If it wears out, you might hear a grinding noise, and the drum will struggle to turn.
Replacing the drum bearing involves removing the drum and installing a new bearing, which can be a complex repair (Fix.com).
8. Damaged Drive Belt Tensioner
The tensioner ensures the drive belt maintains the correct tension. If it’s damaged, the belt can become loose and fail to turn the drum properly.
Checking and replacing the tensioner involves accessing the drum and belt assembly (Appliance Parts Pros).
9. Faulty Door Switch
The door switch is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from operating with the door open. If this switch is faulty, it won’t signal the motor to start.
You can test the switch with a multimeter and replace it if necessary (Today’s Homeowner).
10. Clogged Vent
A clogged vent can cause the dryer to overheat and shut down to prevent a fire hazard. Regularly cleaning the lint screen and venting system can prevent this issue.
If the vent is severely clogged, you may need to use a vent cleaning kit or hire a professional (Appliance Parts Pros).
Case Studies
- Drive Belt Replacement: A homeowner reported their LG dryer drum stopped spinning. After manually rotating the drum by hand and finding it moved freely, they inspected and found a broken drive belt, a frequent issue with LG dryers not spinning. Replacing the belt solved the issue (Today’s Homeowner).
- Drum Roller Replacement: Another case involved a dryer making a loud thumping noise before the drum stopped turning. Upon inspection, the drum rollers were worn out. Replacing all the rollers restored the dryer to full functionality (Appliance Parts Pros).
By understanding these common issues and their solutions, you can better diagnose and fix your LG dryer drum when it’s not turning.
If you’re not comfortable performing these repairs yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional technician.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix an LG Dryer Drum That Won’t Turn?
Having an LG dryer drum that won’t turn can be quite frustrating, right? But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to troubleshoot and fix the problem. I’ll also share some real-life case studies from reputable sources to show you that these solutions really work.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
1. Check the Drive Belt
First things first, let us check the drive belt. This belt wraps around the dryer drum, the drive motor pulley, and the idler pulley.
Over time, belt can become worn out or break, causing the drum not to turn.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Unplug the dryer for safety.
- Remove the dryer’s top panel by unscrewing the screws at the back.
- Locate the drive belt. It should be around the drum.
- Inspect the belt for any signs of wear and tear. If it’s broken or frayed, it needs replacing.
Case Study: Jane from New York had a similar issue with her LG dryer. After checking the drive belt, she found it was snapped. She ordered a replacement belt online, installed it, and her dryer was back in business in no time!
2. Inspect the Drum Rollers and Axles
Drum rollers and axles are essential for the smooth rotation of the drum. If these parts are worn out, they can cause the drum to stop turning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- With the dryer still unplugged, remove the drum to access the rollers and axles.
- Check if the rollers turn freely. If they don’t, they might need lubrication or replacement.
- Inspect the axles for wear. If they’re worn out, replace them.
Case Study: Mike from California found that his dryer’s drum rollers were completely worn out. He replaced both the rollers and axles, which solved the problem instantly.
3. Examine the Drive Motor
Drive motor is responsible for turning the drum and blower wheel. If it’s faulty, the drum won’t turn.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Access the drive motor by removing the back panel of the dryer.
- Check for any obstructions around the motor.
- Test the motor using a multimeter to see if it’s getting power. If it’s not, the motor might need replacing.
Case Study: Susan from Texas discovered her drive motor was burnt out. She replaced the motor, and her dryer was running smoothly again.
4. Replace the Idler Pulley
The idler pulley helps keep tension on the drive belt. If it’s faulty, the belt can lose tension and the drum won’t turn.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Locate the idler pulley near the motor.
- Check if the pulley spins freely. If it doesn’t, it might be worn out.
- Replace the idler pulley if necessary.
Case Study: Tom from Florida had an issue with his idler pulley, a common problem that can lead to an LG dryer not spinning. Replacing it restored proper tension to the belt, and his dryer drum started turning again.
5. Check the Drum Support Rollers
The drum support rollers help support the drum. If they’re worn out, the drum might not turn.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- With the drum removed, inspect the support rollers.
- If the rollers are worn or don’t spin freely, replace them.
Case Study: Linda from Ohio found her drum support rollers were worn down. After replacing them, her dryer functioned properly.
6. Inspect the Drum Bearing
A worn-out drum bearing can prevent the drum from turning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Remove the drum to access the bearing at the back of the dryer.
- Check for any signs of wear. If the bearing is worn out, replace it.
Case Study: John from Washington replaced his worn-out drum bearing, which solved his issue of a non-turning drum.
7. Replace the Drive Belt Tensioner
The drive belt tensioner maintains the correct tension on the belt. If it’s faulty, the drum might not turn.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Locate the tensioner near the drive motor.
- Check if it’s applying enough tension to the belt.
- Replace it if necessary.
Case Study: Mary from Illinois found her tensioner wasn’t applying enough tension. Replacing it fixed the problem.
8. Test the Door Switch
The door switch ensures the dryer won’t run with the door open. If it’s faulty, the drum won’t turn even if the door is closed.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Locate the door switch inside the dryer door frame.
- Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If there’s no continuity, replace the switch.
Case Study: Peter from Arizona replaced a faulty door switch, and his dryer started working again.
9. Clean the Vent
A clogged vent can cause the dryer to overheat and stop the drum from turning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Disconnect the dryer from the vent.
- Clean the vent thoroughly to remove any lint or debris.
- Reconnect the dryer to the vent, ensuring optimal performance and addressing a potential cause of an LG dryer won’t spin.
Case Study: Karen from Colorado cleaned out a heavily clogged vent, which improved airflow and resolved her drum turning issue.
Can you still use a dryer if it doesn’t spin?
Don’t use a dryer if the drum ain’t spinning right. Here’s why:
- Clothes won’t dry well: Without spinning, clothes don’t tumble, so they won’t dry evenly.
- Fire risk: Clothes can overheat and stay in one spot, which can be a fire hazard.
- Dryer damage: Using it like this can mess up parts like the drive belt or drum rollers, leading to more expensive fixes.
- Waste of energy: A non-spinning drum means the dryer runs longer, wasting energy and hiking up your bills.
If your dryer’s drum isn’t spinning, stop using it till a pro fixes it.
It could be a broken drive belt, bad idler pulley, worn drum rollers, or a faulty motor.
Using it in this state is unsafe and will likely cause more harm.
FAQs
What causes an LG dryer not to spin?
Several issues can cause your LG dryer not to spin, including a broken drum belt, a malfunctioning control board, or a blocked blower wheel. Troubleshooting starts with checking these parts to determine the cause.
How can I check if the drum belt is broken?
To inspect the drum belt, you’ll need to access the interior of your dryer. Disconnect the dryer from the power source, then remove the panel to inspect the belt. A broken drum belt is a common reason for the dryer drum not turning and must be replaced.
What should I do if the lg dryer timer is not advancing?
If your LG dryer timer is not advancing, it may indicate a problem with the timer itself or the control board. First, check if the dryer is completing its cycle; if not, visually inspect the control panel for any error codes and consult the LG dryer troubleshooting guide for specifics.
How can I fix a dryer that won’t turn at all?
If your dryer won’t turn on, start by making sure it’s properly plugged in and check your home’s circuit breaker box to ensure the circuit hasn’t tripped. If these are fine, inspect the power cord and press and hold the start button to see if there’s any response. If not, the issue may lie with the control board or the LG dryer’s timer.
Why is the blower wheel important for my LG dryer to spin?
The blower wheel is crucial for circulating air through the dryer vent. If it’s clogged or damaged, it can prevent the dryer from spinning by disrupting the airflow. Make sure to check the blower wheel for any obstructions or signs of wear and tear.
Can a faulty control board cause my LG dryer to stop spinning?
Yes, a faulty control board can cause your dryer to stop spinning. The control board manages all the dryer’s functions; if it’s not sending the right signals to the components, like the drive motor, your dryer may not start or spin. Troubleshooting this issue might require the help of a professional repair clinic.
How can I perform a quick LG dryer troubleshooting to determine why it’s not spinning?
For quick LG dryer troubleshooting, start by ensuring the power source is secure and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Next, try turning the drum by hand to check if it moves freely. If it does not, inspect the idler pulley and drum belt for damage. Finally, look for any error codes on the control panel that could indicate specific problems.
What should I do if the dryer drum does not turn, but the drive motor turns?
If the dryer drum does not turn but you can hear the drive motor running, the problem is likely a broken drum belt. It’s a sign that the belt, which wraps around the drum and motor pulley to spin the drum, has snapped. Replacing the belt is necessary for resolving this issue.
Where can I find repair parts for my LG dryer?
Repair parts for your LG dryer can be found at authorized repair clinics, official LG distributors, or online stores specializing in appliance repair parts. Ensure you have your model number ready to find the correct parts.