Apparently you need some special tool when replacing the belt on these machines. The belt is just barely bigger the the large pulley on the transmission. Somehow this belt needs to stretch like 3 to 4 inches to reach the shaft on the motor. Is there any way to do this without the “special” GE tool? I can’t find any reference to where to purchase this tool and I don’t really want to pay a $90 service call just to put on a belt.
GE recommended to use the special belt install tool (part number AP3968441) but you can try to install the belt without this tool.
Center the belt on the drive pulley and secure tightly with a wire tie on the left side.
Center the belt on the motor shaft grooves and slowly turn the drive pulley CW. Continue rotating drive pulley until the belt is fully engaged.
Remove the wire tie.
The belt install tool comes with the instructions.
- The part number for the belt is AP4303450
The new belt will be slightly smaller than the drive pulley but it will stretch to the diameter of the pulley over time.
Gene.
Hi! I just had to replace the belt on my GE washer - there was NO WAY it was going to go on w/ out some special tool. But then I had the bright idea to heat up the belt in near-boiling water. Then we were able to put it on as per the instructions above (hold in place around motor spindle, and turn it onto the large agitator wheel CW like you would a bicycle chain). Worked beautifully once the rubber was stretchier!! Then finally, we edged it into place on both the large wheel and the spindle. Walah!
Even if it did work for you, I’m afraid such high temperature can short the belt life and affect its strength.
Gene.
I used a plumbing water key,lots of leverage,did not damage the belt…10 dollars at home depot who sold me this p.o.s…but works great now!also I can use it to shut off the city water of needed..
hi
Belt install tool works great well worth cost to buy one
Wheaten