If you find that your Hoover washing machine isn't spinning properly or is making squealing noises during cycles, the problem is likely a faulty washing machine drive belt. When this happens, you'll need to remove the old drive belt and fit a new one to get your washing machine working properly again. In this article, we're going to show you how to replace the drive belt on a Hoover washing machine step-by-step to get your appliance working properly again. Let's take a look.
What you will need
- 7mm socket
- Safety gloves
- Cable tie
- New drive belt
Finding your model number
Before buying a new drive belt, you'll first need to learn your washing machine's model number. This number will help you buy the correct belt for your particular make and model of appliance. If you don't know what this number is or how to find it, our guide to finding a washing machine model number will tell you everything you need to know!
How to replace the drive belt on a Hoover washing machine
Let's begin! To learn how to replace a Hoover washing machine drive belt, either watch our video or follow our written step-by-step guide below.
Safety first
Remember, always make sure you switch off and unplug your appliance from the mains before carrying out any work.
Step 1: Remove the back panel
To access the old drive belt and remove it, you'll first need to remove the washing machine's back panel. Using your 7mm socket, unscrew the six screws that hold the panel in place.
With the screws removed, you can go ahead and pull the back panel away and place it aside.
Step 2: Remove the old belt
You will now be able to see the old belt wrapped around the pulley wheel and motor spindle in the back of the machine. At this point, we recommend wearing safety gloves to protect your fingers whilst removing the belt.
In the gap between the wheel and spindle, take hold of the belt and rotate it whilst pulling it towards you out of the machine. Take care as you do this, as the belt can pop off quite suddenly.
Step 3: Fit the new belt
Now it's time to fit the new belt. When you have your new belt, you may notice that it is a little smaller than the old one. This is because the old one will have stretched out during cycles, where as the new one won't be stretched yet. To make the belt easier to fit, we recommend looping the belt under your foot and stretching it a bit first.
When fitting the new belt, first place it into position over one side of the pulley wheel (with the tracked side facing inwards and touching the wheel). Then, to keep the belt in position while you fit it, we recommend wrapping a cable tie around the wheel and belt to hold it in place, as pictured below.
Then loop the drive belt around the motor spindle near the bottom of the machine.
With the belt in position, rotate the pulley wheel until the belt starts to become tight and you feel some tension.
Once you feel tension, go to the front of the machine and rotate the drum with your hand inside. This will finish fitting the belt all the way around the wheel, and the cable tie should pop off too.
Step 4: Refit the back panel
Now that the new belt has been fully fitted, you can go ahead and refit the back panel onto the machine. Position the back panel, then screw it into place with the six screws you removed earlier using your 7mm socket.
And there you have it! All there is to replacing the drive belt on a Hoover washer. Your washing machine should now be working properly again!
Now that your appliance is back in working order, it's a good idea to make sure you're using it as efficiently as possible for the best results. Our complete guide to washing machine settings will tell you everything you need to know to get the best performance from your washer at every turn!
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