Hotpoint Dryer Motor

Turns the drum (through the belt) and drives the fan that circulates air.

DifficultyModerate to hard

Typical time60 to 120 minutes

ToolsScrewdrivers or nut drivers, Phone for photographs of the wiring

Safety. Unplug the dryer before you start (and switch off the breaker if it is hard-wired). A blocked vent is a fire risk, so always clear the cause of any overheating.

Signs it has failed

The dryer will not start, or starts and stops quickly
A hum without the drum turning
A burning smell or very hot motor housing
Loud squealing or grinding from the motor

Check before you buy

Check the belt, idler pulley and the door switch first
Spin the motor shaft by hand with the dryer unplugged
Check the start capacitor if the motor hums but will not turn

What replacing it fixes: if the signs above match your dryer and the checks point to this part, fitting a new one should clear those faults. If the symptoms continue, the cause is elsewhere (a control board, a sensor or a blocked vent or hose).

How to replace it

Unplug the dryer
Open the cabinet and remove the belt
Disconnect the motor wiring and release the mounting bracket
Fit the new motor and pulley, reconnect the wiring and refit the belt
Refit the panels and run a test cycle

Guide steps are typical for this type of part. Layouts differ between models, so follow your own manual where it differs.

Getting the right part

Motors are specific to the dryer platform. Match the part number on the motor label and your model number.

Check your model number first. It is on the rating plate — usually inside the door frame, on the back or side panel, or inside the appliance. Parts that look identical often differ by model, so match the number to the listing before you order.