Brand: Whirlpool
Model Number: WED8900BC0
Main Symptom: belt is too small
What happens & when: the replacement belt does not fit around the drum, motor and idler pulley
Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried: the replacement belt is 3/4" short compared with existing belt. I ordered the replacement kit (4392067) for the my dryer model.
Photos / video link:
First we need to ensure you have the proper OEM belt (First, we need to make sure you have the correct OEM drum drive belt, ( Whirlpool WP8547157 Dryer Drum Drive Belt | Genuine OEM Part ). This model also uses a separate blower belt, ( Whirlpool WP8544742 Dryer Blower Belt | Genuine OEM Part ), so it’s important to verify the correct belt is being installed in the correct location.
If you do have the correct OEM belt, the next step is to make sure it is being installed correctly.
A few things to verify:
The ribbed side of the belt should be against the drum, with the smooth side facing outward.
The belt should sit in the original wear marks on the drum, usually about 1–2 inches in front of the rear bulkhead.
Make sure the belt is routed under the idler pulley and around the motor pulley. The idler pulley should apply tension to the back (smooth side) of the belt.
Rotate the drum several full turns by hand. The belt should stay centered on the drum and the motor pulley without twisting or walking off.
While you have it apart, inspect the idler pulley to make sure it spins freely and the spring is applying good tension. Also check that the motor pulley is tight and not damaged.
If the belt is still coming off or not staying tight after verifying the correct installation, let me know exactly what it’s doing:
Is the belt coming off the motor pulley?
Is it walking off the drum?
Is it too loose to tension?
Or is the motor running but the drum not turning?
That will help narrow down whether the issue is with the idler assembly, motor pulley, drum alignment, or another component.) if so then
2nd we need to ensure that the belt is being installed correctly
I ordered the Whirlpool Dryer Repair Kit (#4392067) for my dryer model. The order number is 17159818. This is the kit identified when I searched with my dryer model number.
The belt included in the kit is W11575710 FSP. This belt does not fit the dryer.
I verified the actions you mentioned. I confirmed I was correctly installing the new belt because I was able to reinstall the old belt. The new belt will not go around the motor pulley. The belt is 3/4" shorter than the old belt when measured side-by-side. The total circumference of the new belt is 1 1/2" short.
Yes for that particular kit the description doe say the belt may not fit your particular model. You need to order belt part # ( Whirlpool WP8547157 Dryer Drum Drive Belt | Genuine OEM Part )
It seems odd for Appliance Parts to create a kit, sell it for a specific model number and include a statement it may not fit the model number our system shows. Why would they sell a product that may not fit?
This was not my first order from Appliance Parts but it is likely my last.
We don’t compile the kits they come the way the whirpool makes the kits, thats why we put the notice, because we know it will not fit all models. I am truly sorry that you feel the way you do. Please understand we have spoken to the manufacturer about this issue, but whirlpool continues to put the most commoin belts in those kits