How to Replace 1250125034 Tumble Dryer Belt Tension Roller on AEG, Electrolux & Zanussi Dryers — Step-by-Step

Your dryer's running, but it sounds like a lawn mower and your clothes take twice as long to dry. That grinding noise? It's probably coming from a worn-out belt tension roller that's no longer spinning freely. The 1250125034 jockey pulley keeps constant pressure on your dryer belt — when it seizes up or the bearing goes bad, everything else starts working harder than it should.

This guide walks you through replacing the tension roller on AEG, Electrolux, and Zanussi tumble dryers. The repair works the same across models like the LTH55800, EDC2096GDW, EDC46100W, and dozens of others using this pulley assembly.

What You Need Before Starting

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers (optional, but helpful)
• Towel or drop cloth
• Replacement 1250125034 tension roller

Time Required: 30-45 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

You'll need to access the back or bottom of your dryer, depending on your model. Most AEG and Electrolux dryers let you get at the belt and rollers from the rear panel.

Safety First

Warning: Unplug your dryer completely before starting this repair. If it's gas-powered, shut off the gas supply valve. The drum is heavy and the belt is under tension — work carefully to avoid pinched fingers. Wear safety glasses if you're working underneath the unit, as dust and lint can fall into your eyes.

Step 1: Access the Belt Assembly

Pull your dryer away from the wall so you can work comfortably. Remove the screws holding the back panel (usually 6-8 Phillips screws around the perimeter). Set the panel aside. You'll immediately see the drum, motor, and belt system. The tension roller is the smaller pulley mounted on a spring-loaded bracket — it keeps the belt tight against the motor pulley and drum.

Step 2: Release Belt Tension

The roller is held in place by a spring that keeps constant pressure on the belt. Push the roller assembly toward the motor to create slack in the belt. You might need to use a screwdriver as a lever against the bracket. Once you've got enough slack, lift the belt off the motor pulley first, then slide it off the tension roller. Take a photo of the belt routing before you remove it — you'll thank yourself later.

Step 3: Remove the Old Tension Roller

The roller typically bolts onto a bracket with a single nut or clip. On most AEG and Electrolux models, there's a 10mm nut on the back side of the bracket. Hold the roller with one hand and loosen the nut with your other hand. If it's a clip-style mount, squeeze the retaining clip with pliers and slide the roller off the shaft. Inspect the old roller — if the bearing is seized or the wheel has a flat spot, you caught it before it destroyed your belt.

Step 4: Install the New 1250125034 Roller

Slide the new tension roller onto the mounting bracket in the same orientation as the old one. The roller should spin freely without wobbling. Tighten the mounting nut snugly, but don't overtighten — you want the roller to move on its spring-loaded bracket. Give it a spin with your finger to make sure it rotates smoothly.

Step 5: Reinstall the Belt and Test

Loop the belt around the drum first (ribs facing inward toward the drum). Then stretch it around the motor pulley and finally over the new tension roller. The spring tension will pull the roller into position automatically. Rotate the drum by hand a few times — the belt should track smoothly without slipping or riding up on the edges. Reinstall the back panel, plug in your dryer, and run a timed dry cycle for 10 minutes. Listen for smooth, quiet operation. That grinding noise should be gone.

Testing After Installation

Run an empty dryer cycle for 5-10 minutes and listen carefully. You should hear the normal motor hum and drum rotation, but no squealing, grinding, or thumping. Open the door mid-cycle and spin the drum by hand — it should rotate freely with just a bit of resistance from the belt. If everything sounds good, load some damp towels and run a full drying cycle. Your clothes should dry in the normal time, and the dryer should operate quietly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this roller fit my specific AEG or Electrolux model?

The 1250125034 fits dozens of models across AEG, Electrolux, and Zanussi brands, including the LTH series (LTH55800, LTH56800, LTH57800, LTH57810), EDC series (EDC2096GDW, EDC2086PDE, EDC46100W, EDC47100W), and many others. Check the compatible models list on the product page or match your old roller's part number — this also replaces 1250125000, 1250125109, and 8581250125037.

How do I know if the tension roller is bad or if it's the belt?

Spin the roller by hand with the dryer unplugged. A good roller spins freely and quietly. A bad one feels rough, makes grinding sounds, or doesn't spin at all. If your belt is glazed, cracked, or has shiny spots, replace both the roller and belt together — they wear each other out. A seized roller will fry a new belt in weeks.

Can I replace just the roller without changing the belt?

Yes, if your belt is still in good condition. Check for cracks, fraying, or glazed surfaces. If the belt looks fine and you caught the roller failure early, you can replace just the pulley. But if the roller was squealing for weeks, the belt probably has heat damage — safer to replace both at once.