Splendide Dryer -- Belt replacement

[stiles watson]

The instructions were simple enough. The actual doing a bit more challenging. Getting it out of the closet is by brute force and small spaces finesse. Has anyone besides me determined that when you start taking appliances apart that sturdy sheet metal becomes like sheet metal jelly? Getting it back together is much like doing a erector set. The challenge is getting it all to line up.

Dianna is simply not skilled at mechanical things, so I was grateful to have my 14 year-old, 6'-3" grandson to help me wrestle with it. Following the instructions makes it feel like you're tearing it apart to get the belt around the tub and you better do the stretching of it that they recommend. It was still tough to get it on the spindle.

Then the real effort begins in trying to get the front of the tumbler tub back into its race and hold it until you get the sheet metal sides re-assembled. Again brute force to re-stack, re-attach the flex hose and properly align it.

The new belt was $45+ with $12 shipping plus some sweat equity, a lot cheaper than replacing the dryer. Also cheaper than service at $65 - $99 per hour.

I guess I did it right because Dianna has used it with good results.

[Ozz]

Good job Stiles! I give you points for your positive attitude in not letting it intimidate you.

[H. John Kohl]

Great job Stiles, been there done that. Great phone support from Splendide too. I had to replace the motor.

[stiles watson]

Thanks guys. I had already replaced the heating element at an earlier time. It was less dis-assembly and easier to do. I once had a Maytag dryer in a stick house. It was much easier to work on. You had a belt, a tub, a heating element, a motor, and a simple, all in one control panel. All was accessible for fairly easy repair or replacement (sigh).

[wingerphil]

question for you Stiles. How did you determine the need to replace the heating element. Our Splendid has quit drying and I suspect the element. Cost? Procedure?

Thanks,

Phil

[stiles watson]

That was the problem, loss of heat for drying even though the tumbler was working. If you call Splendide (Westland) at 800-356-0766, tech support is really helpful. They will give you some things to check. My experience with dryers made me fairly sure that I needed a heating element, so I ordered one. I don't remember the exact cost. I seem to remember that it was under $50 including shipping. It is a fairly easy install except that the plug in is inside the unit which requires some dis-assembly to get to the connector.

[wingerphil]

Thanks Stiles.
I talked to them when it first quit drying and they sent me some directions on cleaning it. Said too much softner and soap can deminish the drying. Mine went from doing good to luke warm at best and have always suspected the element was bad.

I'll give them a call and order one. Thanks!

Phil

[stiles watson]

Phil,

If you have the combo unit, all I have said may not apply. I have separate, stackable units. I was talking about the dryer only unit.