Tumble dryer drum not turning
If the motor hums but the drum will not turn, the drive belt has almost always snapped or slipped — a common, inexpensive repair.
Likely causes, ranked
- Snapped drive belt Most likely — The motor runs but the drum is free to turn by hand. Belts dry out and snap after several years.
- Worn drum bearings or rollers Likely — Grinding or rumbling before failure, and the drum feels loose or stiff by hand.
- Failed motor or capacitor Less likely — No hum at all, or a hum with a hot smell, points to the motor or its start capacitor.
- Jammed pulley or trapped object Less likely — A bra wire or coin can jam the idler pulley. Hotpoint F02 flags a motor circuit fault.
First checks
- Unplug the dryer.
- Turn the drum by hand — free spin points to the belt.
- Remove the top or back panel (screws only, keep them safe).
- Compare the old belt with the new one (route it exactly as the old one sat).
- Spin the drum by hand after refitting to check the belt tracks.
Safety
Unplug first. Panels have sharp edges — wear gloves. Never run the dryer with panels off.
Call a professional when…
The belt is intact and the drum still will not turn — the motor, capacitor or bearings need an engineer.