How to Replace 3394652 Dryer Drum Drive Belt on Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryers — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool dryer turns on, but the drum won't spin. You hear the motor running, maybe even a faint squealing sound, but your clothes just sit there getting warm without tumbling. Nine times out of ten, that's a broken drive belt — and replacing it on models like the LTE5243DQ6, WET4024EW0, or LDR3822HQ0 takes about 30 minutes with basic tools.

What You Need Before Starting

This is one of the most common dryer repairs, and you don't need specialty tools:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver or putty knife
• Work gloves (the belt area gets dusty)
• Shop vacuum (optional but helpful)

Repair Time: 25-35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Safety First

Unplug the dryer completely before starting. If it's a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply valve and disconnect the gas line — you'll need to pull the dryer away from the wall to access the rear panel. Electric dryers are simpler, but make sure that cord is unplugged. Dryers are heavy, so get help if you need to move it more than a few inches.

Step 1: Remove the Lint Screen and Top Panel

Pull out the lint screen. Look inside the cavity and you'll see two Phillips screws — remove them. Now slide a putty knife between the top panel and front of the dryer, about 2-3 inches from each corner. You'll feel spring clips release. Lift the top panel up and lean it back against the wall behind the dryer.

Step 2: Disconnect the Front Panel

With the top up, locate the door switch wire connector near the top front corner — press the release tab and disconnect it. Now find the screws holding the front panel (usually two at the top corners under the lip). Remove them, then lift the entire front panel up slightly and pull it toward you. Set it aside carefully — the door is still attached, so don't let it swing freely.

Step 3: Release Tension and Remove the Old Belt

You're now looking at the drum, belt, and motor assembly. The belt wraps around the drum, then loops under the idler pulley and around the motor pulley in back. Reach underneath the drum and push the idler pulley toward the motor to release tension. With your other hand, slip the old belt off the motor pulley. Once tension is gone, the belt comes off easily. Take a photo of how the belt routes before removing it completely — it'll save you headaches during reinstall.

Step 4: Clean and Install the New 3394652 Belt

Before installing the new belt, vacuum out the lint and debris from around the motor and drum area. Slip the new 3394652 belt around the drum with the ribbed side against the drum surface (ribs touch metal, smooth side faces out). Reach underneath, loop the belt under the idler pulley, then stretch it around the motor pulley. You'll need to push that idler pulley toward the motor again to get enough slack. Once the belt is seated on the motor pulley, slowly release the idler — it should snap back and create proper tension.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Rotate the drum by hand a few times to make sure the belt tracks correctly and doesn't slip off. It should turn smoothly without binding. Reattach the front panel by hooking the bottom tabs first, then swinging it up and securing the top screws. Reconnect the door switch. Lower the top panel until the spring clips snap back into place, then reinstall the two lint screen housing screws. Plug the dryer back in, run a test cycle, and listen — you should hear smooth, quiet operation without squealing.

Testing After Installation

Run the dryer empty on air fluff for 5 minutes. Listen for any unusual noises — a properly installed belt runs nearly silent. If you hear squealing, the belt might not be seated correctly on one of the pulleys. Open it back up and check that the ribbed side is against the drum and that the belt is centered on both the idler and motor pulleys. The drum should spin freely when you turn it by hand even when the dryer is off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this 3394652 belt fit my Kenmore dryer?

Yes, if your Kenmore dryer uses the same belt specification (typically 92-1/4 inch length, 1/4 inch width). This belt replaces part numbers 345675, 4319392, and 8066064, which were used across Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid, and Roper models. Check your model number against the compatibility list — models like LDR3422AW0 and WET3300XQ0 use this exact belt.

How long do dryer belts typically last?

A dryer belt usually lasts 10-15 years depending on usage. If you run heavy loads frequently or the dryer drum was binding (worn glides or seized rollers), the belt wears out faster. If your new belt breaks within a year, check the drum rollers and idler pulley — they might be worn and creating too much resistance.

Do I need to replace the idler pulley when changing the belt?

Not necessarily, but inspect it while you're in there. Spin the idler pulley with your finger — it should rotate smoothly and quietly. If it wobbles, makes grinding noises, or feels rough, replace it at the same time. A worn idler pulley will wear out your new belt prematurely. Same goes for the drum support rollers — if they're flat-spotted or don't spin freely, now's the time to replace them.