1962 dryer belt, hard to find?

[northwesty]

I think the belt to my turquoise 1962 dryer is a little loose, but I notice it is this weird round translucent belt, not like the automobile-like belts I am used to seeing. Just wondering if this is a holy grail or just any parts house will have it. Thanks so much for any information

 

[peterh770]

Kenmore/Whirlpool, I presume?

 

[northwesty]

Sorry, yes, it is the Kenmore that came into my possession about a month ago, it has been working fine but squeaked a little on start up. Now it really squeaks, -the belt isn't turning things unless I give it a little push.

 

[rp2813]

My experience with dryer squeaks is that they are an indicator of a bad bearing.  See if it still squeaks under manual rotation without the belt on it.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Brian - The round translucent belt is the blower drive belt. The drum uses a 3-rib drive belt separate from the blower belt. Both are still out there.

I would enter your model number on Sears' website, get the part numbers, and check around. I know they're on ebay, I just got some myself.

Gordon

 

[combo52]

BELTS FOR 1961-6 WP AND KM DRYERS

Yes these are still out there and I have plenty if you can't find them. If the drum is slow to get moving the idler pulley may be stiff and need oiling. The drum belt can either be a 3 or 4 rib belt and the 4 rib is the belt of choice if you can find it. Some squeaking of the blower belt on start up is OK but be sure that the blower pulley turns very easily and you should add light machine oil to the felt wick above the bearing if you have not done so.

 

[washerlover]

And something I just learned about replacing belts is in addition to auto parts stores, check out vacuum cleaner replacement belts -- I've used a couple to replace broken belts on some of my washers...