How to Replace 6602-001655 Drum Drive Belt on Samsung & Kenmore Dryers — Step-by-Step

You hit the start button. The dryer lights up, the timer counts down, but the drum just sits there doing nothing. Or maybe you've been hearing that awful high-pitch squeak for weeks — the kind that makes you close the laundry room door and hope it goes away. It won't. When your Samsung DV42H5000EW or DV45H7000EW stops spinning or starts making grinding noises, there's a good chance your drum belt has stretched, snapped, or the idler pulley bearings have worn out.

The 6602-001655 drum drive belt (which replaces AP4373659 and PS4133825) is the rubber loop that wraps around your dryer drum and connects to the motor pulley. When it fails, your clothes stay wet and you're stuck with a $50 repair that beats paying a technician $200 to do the same job.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair takes about 30-60 minutes and doesn't require advanced skills. You'll be disassembling about half the dryer, so give yourself space to work and a place to set screws.

• Socket set (1/4" or 5/16" most common)
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Shop vacuum (trust me on this)
• Work gloves — the sheet metal edges are sharp
• Towel for protecting your hands
• High-temperature grease (optional but recommended)

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 30-60 minutes

Safety First

Unplug your dryer completely before touching anything. If it's gas, turn off the gas supply valve. These Samsung models have plastic clips on the control panel that break easily if you force them, and the exposed sheet metal inside can slice your hands if you're not careful. Wear gloves and keep that towel handy when reaching through tight spaces.

Step 1: Access the Drum

Pull the dryer away from the wall. For most Samsung models like the DV48H7400EW or DV50K8600EV, you'll remove the top panel by taking out two screws at the back, then sliding it toward you and lifting. Next, remove the front panel screws (usually hidden under the lint trap opening and along the bottom). Gently pull the front panel forward — watch for those plastic clips at the top. If they snap, you'll need new ones, so ease it off slowly.

Step 2: Clean While You're In There

Here's the thing nobody tells you: if your belt broke, there's probably years of lint packed inside. Grab that shop vac and clean everything you can reach. Pull out the duct piece between the lint trap and the blower housing — it's usually clogged solid. This isn't just about the repair working better; it's a fire hazard sitting there waiting.

Step 3: Remove the Old Belt and Check the Idler Pulley

Lift the drum slightly and pull the old belt off. It wraps around the drum, then down around the motor pulley and through the spring-loaded idler pulley. Before you install the new belt, spin those drum support wheels at the back — they should turn freely. If they don't, they're adding friction and will eat your new belt in six months. Also check that idler pulley. As one repair tech put it: "The idler wheel bearings were shot and the dryer was making high pitch squeaks because of it." If it doesn't spin smoothly, replace the whole idler assembly while you're here. The screw that mounts it strips easily, so consider grabbing a new one.

Step 4: Install the New 6602-001655 Belt

Loop the new belt around the drum with the ribbed side against the drum surface. Let the drum rest on the front support. Now reach underneath and wrap the belt around the motor pulley (the small one) and through the idler pulley (the spring-loaded one). The idler keeps tension on the belt — without it, the belt just slips. This is where extra hands help, but you can do it solo by holding the drum up with one hand while routing the belt with the other.

Pro tip: Put a small dab of high-temperature grease on the tensioner plate where it contacts metal. It'll reduce that metal-to-metal grinding that wears things out prematurely.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Spin the drum by hand before you button everything up. It should rotate smoothly without binding. Reinstall the front panel (line up those clips carefully), replace the top, and plug it back in. Run it empty for a few minutes. You shouldn't hear squealing, grinding, or see the drum hesitate when starting. If the lights were flashing before (a common Samsung error when the drum won't turn), they should stay solid now.

Testing After Installation

Run a test cycle with a few towels. Listen for unusual noises during the first five minutes — that's when a misrouted belt will show itself. The drum should accelerate smoothly and maintain speed throughout the cycle. Check that air is flowing properly from the exhaust since you just cleaned everything out. Your dry times should actually improve now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Samsung dryer belt break in the first place?

Belts stretch and crack over time from heat and friction. If your drum support wheels or idler pulley bearings are worn out, they create extra resistance that accelerates belt wear. A clogged vent system makes the dryer work harder and run hotter, which also shortens belt life. Most belts last 5-10 years depending on how often you use the dryer.

Can I use this belt on a Kenmore dryer?

Yes — this 6602-001655 belt works on Kenmore models that use the same Samsung-manufactured drum assembly. Check your model number against the compatibility list, but many Kenmore 600-series and 700-series dryers from the last decade use this exact belt.

Should I replace the idler pulley at the same time?

If it's making noise or doesn't spin freely, absolutely. You've already got the dryer apart, and a worn idler pulley will destroy your new belt within months. Many techs recommend replacing the belt and complete idler assembly together as a maintenance set. It's cheap insurance against having to tear everything apart again in six months.