How to Replace an Electric Laundry Center Dryer Drive Belt (Kenmore, Frigidaire)

This video from Sears PartsDirect shows how to replace a broken dryer drive belt in some Kenmore and Frigidaire electric laundry centers. The drive belt is attached to the motor and spins the drum as the motor rotates. If the drive belt breaks, the motor runs but the drum won't move. If the dryer drive belt is broken or damaged, you may need to replace it.
(0:00) Introduction
(0:23) Step 1: Shut off the power
(0:25) Step 2: Remove the rear access panel
(0:30) Step 3: Remove the heat shield
(0:39) Step 4: Release the control panel
(0:50) Step 5: Remove the front panel
(1:00) Step 6: Remove the dryer drive belt
(1:12) Step 7: Install the new dryer drive belt
(1:22) Step 8: Reinstall the front panel
(1:33) Step 9: Reinstall the control panel
(1:39) Step 10: Reinstall the heat shield
(1:49) Step 11: Reinstall the rear access panel
(1:57) Step 12: Restore power to the laundry center
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Or call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.
The video includes these parts. Look up your model to make sure you get the right parts for your laundry center.
Drive belt
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Find parts for your laundry center at:
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Or click here to schedule an appointment with a repair technician.
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Transcript:
The drive belt transfers rotation from the drive motor to the dryer drum. If the motor runs but the drum won't move, the dryer belt is probably broken. Replace the belt by following the steps in this video. Before you begin, wear work gloves to protect your hands. Unplug the laundry center. Pull the laundry center away from the wall. Remove the screws from the rear access panel and remove it. Remove the front access panel mounting screws. Pull off the front access panel. Remove the mounting screws from the heat shield and pull the heat shield off. Remove the control panel mounting screws. Pull the control panel down and forward to release it. Let the control panel hang by the wires below the front panel. Unplug the door switch wire harness. Remove the 2 mounting screws at the bottom of the front panel. Remove the 4 screws from the top of the front panel. Remove the front panel. If the belt isn’t broken, reach into the dryer through the rear access panel and release the drive belt from the motor pulley. From the front of the dryer, raise the dryer drum slightly and pull the drive belt out of the dryer. Slightly raise the drum and slide the new belt over the drum. From the back of the dryer, reach into the dryer and route the belt over the idler pulley and around the motor pulley. Position the front panel on the laundry center frame and reinstall the top mounting screws. Reinstall the bottom mounting screws on the front panel. Reconnect the door switch wire harness. Push the control panel onto the frame and engage the locking tabs. Reinstall the control panel mounting screws. Position the heat shield on the frame and reinstall the mounting screws. Position the front access panel on the laundry center frame. Reinstall the mounting screws. Push the motor access panel into the rear panel of the dryer and reinstall the mounting screws. Move the laundry center back into place. Plug the laundry center back in.

[@LANARAY1]

20 minutes and a few explitives later our dryer is spinning again. Thank you!

[@bigdavido82]

Thanks! Totally helped me fix my dryer. Saved me a ton of $$. But it ain't easy doing the repair by yourself. *you can change the belt via the front - no need to go through the rear. I've done it and i've seen a professional technician do it

[@marcparent4827]

BEST INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO EVER!!! Why can't every how to DIY be this simply straightforward and easy to follow.

[@margiehein5946]

THANK YOU!! My son-in-law and I fixed my dryer because of this video!! Thank you again!!!

[@Love-ns5he]

This video helped me fix my dryer myself. I caught hell getting the face back on by myself but I had got back on right. Thank you for this video.

[@tomkeller5948]

Thanks, I have referenced this video twice with my kenmore. Different wiring and more screws for the instrument panel but just what a DIY needs.

[@ISLEaxe]

Very good video. Need more repair videos on stacked units.

[@davel3552]

Thank you so much! I was able to fix my broken belt myself. Putting the door back on was a pain in the ass, but so far it turns again and sounds quiet. Perfect.

[@LaserrSharp]

Any tips on putting the door back on?

[@Manatee360Phototography]

Dave, you are right! Putting the door back on is a pain. I took the door off the front plate which made it a bit easier, but things just didn't want to align.

[@chico73274]

thank you 1000 times , the part about the belt around the pulley help me tremendously

[@jerryscholder462]

Incredible video. April '03 dryer has new life. Very easy to follow. Thanks alot!!

[@searspartsdirect]

We're glad to hear that you got your dryer going again. Thanks for the feedback regarding our video.

[@BELGRANOization]

The belt on the dryer drum was out of the motor pulley and this video helped me with a quick simple fix. Thx so much!

[@patrickk.1980]

i did figure it out, i was putting it on wrong, the video made it clear, thank you for your video and your response... much appreciated

[@solymarovando3907]

This video saved my life! Today is sunday (past 15:00)...all my "office" clothes are wet ....I almost break down and cry cause there are no laundries around here and this video was the solution . My cable wasn't broke it was just umm "loose"... now my clothes are in the dryer and everything is fine :)

[@kriseuph1]

Great Tutorial, works perfect!

[@mikls64vw]

Awesome Video. I just fixed our washing-m-dryer tonight!

[@notsure6333]

this help just saved me $300 when I got a quote from the repair man. He said it was the motor. Not! When I took it apart I found a broken belt. Easy now.

[@davel3552]

I wonder if he opened the dryer up to give you that quote, or quote without opening it up. Shady.

[@Reality_26]

Very easy step by step inatructions great video.

[@tombarbato4348]

thank you for the video but a little more detail for the people that can't figure out the little things. i.e how to orient the belt to make sure the ribs are going the right way, make sure that the belt is in the right spot on the barrel, and making sure things line up when putting back together

[@rebeccahert7772]

Great video!! I'm a 62 year young woman and I did it!!

[@searspartsdirect]

Great job Becky! We're glad we could help.

[@Khymeira]

Becky inspired us to fix our own dryer as well. Thanks to both of you!

[@tomgreen99200]

Thanks, helped me a lot!

[@valeriovittoria]

Great help changed thank you

[@dpiratebike_tv]

thanks with this video my life comes more confortable..... and the equipment no sufer more damage.... ja!

[@myob94]

Just fixed my dryer using this method my first DIY project

[@BrianUpward]

Much appreciated, just need to grab a belt now.

[@NelsonRojas_05121814]

Thanks very good video.

[@heycis99]

Great video save me a least $150 , thats what the technician was going to charge me easy...! Thx lots

[@Yourboye2]

Great job. Thx you for saving me $$$

[@superchubbles]

Thank you!!!

[@sergiocastillo6949]

thank s very good video , now i know how to due, thans again.

[@purplecat6099]

I wish you would have shown more of replacing the main front panel. I’m having trouble aligning it with the vent hole and the drum.

[@James-id5xq]

Needed an extra hand with putting the door panel back on. And I took the sheet metal on the very top off to make sure the belt was aligned. Otherwise pretty simple repair. Took an hour including Vaccumimg the dust

[@nancytc1]

Thank you for the video. I was able to do it all plus new glides/felt. Now I can't get the panel back on. Is there a trick? I'm feeling like a whimp, seeing that Becky could do it.

[@searspartsdirect]

The drum may sag down a bit with the front panel removed. Match the drum glide that’s attached to the front panel with the front of the drum and then slightly lift up the front panel and drum as you push the panel into place. It may take several attempts to get everything matched up so the panel fits back onto the cabinet. If you need more assistance, let us know.

[@kellykeel7883]

Thanks so much for this video!!! I have been dreading trying to do this on my own but I did it and it was as simple as the video. My belt was only $5.00 and so I saved myself some money. I would recommend taking the back off as it was a tight fit and would be difficult to put it on the pulley from the front. Just follow the instructions and you will be good to go! Thanks again.

[@searspartsdirect]

I appreciate you sharing your tip. Thanks.

[@oceankayak]

thanks soooooooo much. Now I'll get rid of that danged squeaking as soon as my replacement belt comes

[@dehjunaeday1511]

I want to change my felt seal do I have to fo all of this?

[@SS-ts4pp]

What is the length of the belt?

[@BrettHoustonTube]

Thanks!

[@dennisthompson576]

Do you have a video showing the replacement of the dryer motor on the stacked laundry center? I'm assuming the method to access may be similar to the belt replacement. Thanks

[@searspartsdirect]

We don’t have a video showing dryer motor replacement in a laundry center at this time. You are correct in assuming that you can access the dryer motor using the method shown in the belt replacement video. After releasing the belt from the dryer motor, release the clip that holds the blower fan blade on the dryer motor shaft. Unplug the dryer motor wire harness and remove the dryer motor mounting screws. Pull the motor out. Transfer attached components from the old dryer motor to the new one. Reassemble the laundry center in reverse order. If you need more help, let us know.

[@bilparanormalinvestigator5696]

mine didnt go so well... video was awesome but maintenance lost half the screws and bent the housing up on last service. mine took 2 hrs to repair but would have been lost without this video

[@thegeneral343]

That seems simple enough!

[@dennismurphy9779]

For my Laundry Center Model # GLET1041AS1 the old belt measures 90.25" but the new 134503600 Genuine OEM Frigidaire Dryer Drum Belt (blue belt) measures 88.50” out of the bag. My thought is that the new replacement belt is just a little too small. In order to install you really have to use a lot of force to push the idler pulley back; but it will work. If the belt breaks, I plan to add a small S hook between the spring and the idler pulley connection point to relief some of the spring tension. Only time will tell - but I did order a spare belt just in case!

[@purplecat6099]

A new belt will be smaller. It will stretch a bit over time from having tension on it.

[@patrickk.1980]

thank you. for the video, but my belt is too loose for some reason, any thoughts?

[@searspartsdirect]

Make sure that you route that belt around the idler pulley as shown at 1:17 in the video. That spring-tensioned idler pulley should tighten the belt around the drum and motor pulley. If not, then the belt may be too long. Check the part number for your belt. If you’re using the wrong belt, order the correct belt and it should fit properly. If you need more help, let us know.

[@sandiderby5135]

@@searspartsdirect how do I change the dryer belt on an older kenmore stack washer dryer. Model # 417.99160810

[@alexkielhurn2160]

Trying to help a friend - would a broken belt prohibit the dryer from shutting down? Drum spins easily so it's the belt - but the dryer runs...and runs...won't shut off without the door opened. Just doesn't spin.

[@sephiibhoo21]

I cannot pull the control panel down without feeling like I'm going to pop something. the middle piece seems stuck or something. also found alot stuff from the filter completely covering it

[@searspartsdirect]

Let us know the model number of your laundry center and we’ll help you with additional advice to release the control panel. The laundry center shown in the video is a Kenmore model that begins with 417. If your model number differs, then the control panel may have additional screws that you’ll need to remove to release the control panel.

[@bryanbruns3368]

@@searspartsdirect For a GE Spacemaker Laundry (WSM2700LDWWH HH650671W) I removed four screws but the control panel doesn't come off. It feels like there are screws still holding it in place. However, I can't find more screws, "locking tabs," or whatever else is keeping it in place. . Thanks for the video anyway, which at least helped me get this far. And the helpful repair person told me where I could buy the new belt. So, at least I can have things set up and have less time to pay for on the repairs, for the appointment scheduled next week.

[@territharp8089]

Please tell me how to get the drop in the right placement

[@searspartsdirect]

Slide the new belt toward the back of the drum until it’s over the idler pulley shown at 1:15 in the video. Route the belt over the motor pulley as shown at 1:18 in the video. If you need help with the placement of a different part, let us know.

[@viper2000.]

Is the white pulley supposed to come off the shaft easily? I found mine completely off and it moves freely around without the dryer belt on it.

[@searspartsdirect]

The white idler pulley that tensions the belt should remain attached to the idler arm. You’ll likely need to replace the idler arm and pulley. If your laundry center is like the one shown in the video, here’s a link for the idler arm and pulley: www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/131863100/0026/417.html.

[@viper2000.]

Thank you for a quick reply!

[@JordanVasquez]

After the repair I have been unable to get the front of the dryer situated back on correctly. How did you get this back on so easily? Mine is an utter nightmare.

[@chrispcarrot]

Hope you got it back on. You have to support the drum to align it with the inside face of the upper cabinet. The drum rests inside that piece with a felt liner/seal. I suggest putting in the top screws first but loose, then move the face until the bottom holes are aligned and then insert the screws and tighten, then tighten the top ones.

[@searspartsdirect]

Let us know the model number of your laundry center and we’ll try to provide some additional tips for reassembly.

[@RadhaCalu]

Does the front panel sit on top of the roof/frame? Or does it go under the roof panel? Can't remember how it was disassembled 🤔

[@searspartsdirect]

On the laundry center shown in the video, the front panel sits under the top (roof) panel.

[@RadhaCalu]

@@searspartsdirect Thank you! I was wondering why my front panel, bottom screw holes weren't lining up!

[@michelleganoza5519]

I can’t figure out how to remove the screws under the front panel to get it off. There are 2 star shaped bolts that I trying to unscrew and the keep spinning without coming off and making a tick sound as I rotate the bolt.

[@michelleganoza5519]

I have a 110 Kenmore model

[@barbgrajewski9696]

Not sure why you have to pull the motor access panel door off the back. Can't you reach in and loop the belt on the two wheels from the front? Moving those things is beastly...

[@searspartsdirect]

You can reach in and loop the belt over the motor pulley and idler pulley from the front, but be careful not to cut your hands and arms on sharp metal edges inside the cabinet.

[@Reality_26]

It is very easy from the access panel.

[@Reality_26]

My belt popped off twice not broke so i always start at the access panel and put it right back on and good to go.

[@rihayybba]

Does the rigid part of the belt faces up or down?? Where does the smooth part of the belt face, up or down??

[@searspartsdirect]

The rigid part of the belt faces up (away from the drum).

[@getmerkedho7211]

rihayybba good question!!

[@purplecat6099]

The grooved side goes toward the drum

[@infierno667]

My dryer (this model) has a bad squeak. What steps/parts will I need to fix it? Does the drum run on idler wheels or a bearing of some sort?

[@searspartsdirect]

A bad squeak on that type of dryer is typically caused by a worn rear drum bearing. A ball on the back of the dryer drum fits into a support bracket and plastic bearing mounted to the back of the dryer cabinet. After unplugging the laundry center, removing the front dryer panel and releasing the belt as shown in the video, lift the back of the dryer drum and pull it out of the dryer. Inspect the rear drum bearing and replace it if it’s worn. Here’s a link for the rear bearing (part 131825900) www.searspartsdirect.com/product/2neu1xvg9s-0026-417 . If you need to replace more parts than just the rear bearing (such as the ball shaft and/or the bearing bracket), you can buy this kit that has all ball shaft and bearing parts (part 5303281153): www.searspartsdirect.com/product/37gyn3xe8k-0026-417 . The kit includes a new ball shaft, brackets, fasteners, bearing and a tube of high-temperature lubricant. You may need to use the screws from your original parts to fasten the kit parts. If the bearing isn’t causing the squeaking noise, a worn idler pulley on the motor or worn drum glide on the front of the dryer could cause squeaking noises. We hope this information helps. If you need further assistance, post more details about the noise and the model number of your laundry center.

[@infierno667]

@@searspartsdirect Thank you for the quick response! Some commenters here have suggested that a good first step might be to access the rear bearing from the back and just apply a bit of high heat grease before doing a complete disassembly. Does this sound like a reasonable first step to you or is worn out just worn out?

[@infierno667]

@@searspartsdirect ps- I'm getting 404 page not found messages on your links. Are they still active?

[@searspartsdirect]

@@infierno667 Applying some high-temperature grease to the bearing may eliminate the squeaking noise. We don’t think that you’ll be able to access the rear bearing from the back of the dryer. For most models, you’ll need to remove the drum and access the rear bearing through the front of the dryer cabinet. Check for damage to the plastic bearing when you apply the small amount of high-temperature grease to the bearing. Replace the bearing if it’s damaged. Also, keep in mind that applying too much grease can result in grease residue appearing on garments that you dry in the dryer. We apologize for the parts links not working. We’re transitioning to a new website. Here are parts links that should work: Rear Drum Bearing (part 131825900) www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/131825900/0026/417.html and Drum Bearing Kit (part 5303281153) www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/5303281153/0026/417.html

[@purplecat6099]

Try just changing the belt. Mine was squeaking a lot before it broke.

[@UnavailableUserID]

Thanks for this video ! I was lucky, my belt simply slipped off. 60 second repair.

[@LaserrSharp]

When I pull front panel off, the dryer drum drops a little bit. Is that normal?

[@searspartsdirect]

Yes. The front panel supports the front of the dryer drum so it’s normal for the drum to drop down slightly when you remove the front panel. Once you complete the repair and reassemble the dryer, the front panel will hold the dryer drum up in the proper position.

[@BitcoinWillFixEverything]

This is a pretty good video, but you failed to say which part number the belt is. I bought when I believe is the correct belt and it seems that it is about 1 to 2 inch too short. I am correctly looping it around the pulley system. I believe I bought an 89 and a half inch belt.

[@searspartsdirect]

The video screen has an information icon (a circle with “I” in the middle) at the top right corner that provides a link to the replacement belt used in the video. Also, here’s a link to that belt replacement part: www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/137292700/0026/417.html That replacement belt fits many Kenmore laundry centers that begin with model number 417. It also fits many Frigidaire laundry centers. Because the belt that you’re using doesn’t fit, we recommend that you use the model number of your laundry center to access the parts list and look up the replacement part. If you need help, let us know the model number of your laundry center and we’ll help you find the correct replacement belt.

[@tademonte1970]

fine my friend

[@felipealvarez5148]

will a bad belt cause the dryer not to heat?

[@searspartsdirect]

Yes, a bad belt can prevent the dryer from heating in some laundry center models. A bad belt won’t rotate the dryer drum, so air may not flow through the drum properly, causing overheating. Overheating can trip safety devices that will prevent the dryer from continuing to heat.

[@seanbaxter1692]

Having a hard time getting the door back on any tricks ?

[@searspartsdirect]

Some doors may have tabs in the door frame that fit into slots in the dryer cabinet. Look for tabs in the door frame and slots in the cabinet that match up and align the tabs with the slots when reinstalling the door frame. We hope this advice helps. If you need more assistance, let us know the model number of your laundry center and more details about the trouble that you're having getting the door back on.

[@chico73274]

I called a local alliance business and they wanted to charge 589.00. I did not know what entitles to do a heater coil change. it cost me 28.00 and a lil effort from me. and done

[@nazirs3506]

how do i replace the heating element on the same unit

[@searspartsdirect]

Once you remove that drive belt (at about 1:10 in the video), you can carefully unhook the dryer drum from the rear bearing and pull out the drum. You can use a replacement coil (part 5300622034) to replace that element. If you need to replace the entire heater assembly with housing (part 131475320), disconnect the wires from the element and remove the screws that fasten the heater housing to the back panel. Reverse the steps for reassembly.

[@jimjaskunas4949]

After you pull the belt off you need to pull the drum out - I found removing the top made this much easier as you have to lift the drum off the central connection in the back. The heating element is on the back wall - unhook 3 sets of double wires at approximately 11:00, 7:00 & 4:00 O,clock and 4 screws on the back - replace and releasable in reverse order. I found taking the door off the front panel at the hinges made replacing the front panel easier.

[@frankthompson652]

A bearing for Kenmore stackable washer and dryer

[@johncasor9698]

you forgot to always hand spin the drum like 3 times around to be sure it centers the belt. they can pop off if not center correctly... and a belt braking is very rare to see they are very strong it takes like 17 years to just brake in half. if drum not turning is most likely belt tensioner wheel came off. i have seen the motor pulley brake and pop off the belt or motor pulley can go bad and start cutting into the belt shedding it. so check for that ....

[@stevenmyers1090]

Hopefully that's what is making the god awful grinding noise in my dryer. I plan on trying this fix.

[@searspartsdirect]

On the type of dryer shown in the laundry center in that video, a grinding noise is typically caused by a worn out bearing on the bulkhead behind the dryer drum. We recommend that you follow the steps shown in the video to remove the belt. Unhook the dryer from the holder and bearing. Here's a video from another website that shows you how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipXRmKiqrLeDh7c . If the bearing is worn out, replace it. Here's the part: www.searspartsdirect.com/product/37gyn3xe8k-0026-417/id-5303281153

[@ts404]

But if the belt isn't broken... why remove the belt? Shouldn't we only remove the belt if its broken?

[@searspartsdirect]

Sometimes, a dryer belt is damaged but not completely broken. Demonstrating how to remove an intact belt helps all viewers.

[@samtaylor7800]

just fixed my dryer washing this video fortunately the belt wasnt broke it just came off.

[@searspartsdirect]

We're glad to hear that your repair wasn't complicated. Thanks for letting us know what you found.

[@cicimcl]

How do you fix a non broken one?

[@rossfromfriends8468]

“Grandma, what’s a Sears

[@xk3rodriguezx]

Replaced my belt perfectly but now my dryer wont turn on..

[@searspartsdirect]

Check both house circuit breakers for the laundry center. The dryer motor on many laundry centers is powered by the L2 leg of electrical power while the washer is powered by the L1 leg of power. Resetting both house circuit breakers for the laundry center may power up the dryer. If that doesn’t help, let us know the model number of your laundry center and we’ll help you more.

[@justinstewart9574]

Did you ever get it to turn on? I am having the same issue

[@randovideos8423]

Great tutorial, but if you're having problems getting the door top assembly on check this video out for how to: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKPSiImVg71joKc

[@waxingsagacity]

We cannot for the life of us get the new belt on. The old one was broken and we got the right part, but it won't quite reach.

[@searspartsdirect]

Make sure that you have the drum installed properly. Position the belt toward the back of the drum as you route the belt against the tension pulley and over the motor pulley as shown at 1:15 in the video. We hope this information helps. If you need further assistance, let us know (and provide the model number of your laundry center).

[@waxingsagacity]

@@searspartsdirect I think our dryer is so old (19-20 years) that the part we found online associated with it was so old that it was the wrong length. We compared it to the broken belt and it was 2.25" too short. We found a generic one at the hardware store that was longer, though not quite as long as the original part, and it got things working. I'd be potentially interested in figuring out what the true right part is- if it is even still manufactured, because the replacement seems to be a little squeaky. The model is Frigidaire gallery GLG21041AS1, and the original belt appeared to be 90" x 1/4" thick, and we haven't been able to find a 90" belt anywhere. This video was VERY helpful though- thanks for making it in such detail!

[@searspartsdirect]

@@waxingsagacity We checked our files. We don't have parts listed for a model that starts with GLG2104 but we do have parts listed for a model GLGT1041AS1 which is only different from the model you posted by one letter/number. Here's a link for the replacement belt we have listed for model GLGT1041AS1: www.searspartsdirect.com/product/5bxulbjyti-0026-417/id-134503600

[@waxingsagacity]

@@searspartsdirect Thanks, that's actually the exact one we purchased, and I had a number transposed in the model number in my comment above. We had the drum installed properly, and the belt was as far back as it could possibly go, and it was still too short.

[@searspartsdirect]

@@waxingsagacity Thanks for letting us know. We'll look into that part issue and update this thread if we find a resolution to the issue.

[@jerryscholder462]

Less than 60 minutes my Ass. I bet the service guy won't charge for only 60 minutes. The belt has to be positioned properly; the upper front cover is a bitch to line up and the damn screws don't want to thread in unless perfectly aligned. If your unit is in the middle of the room with nothing around,, ladi da for you, but for most of us you do have to move things and get some space to work in. Yeah, I did it and it worked, but let's be honest about the work time required. I think they hope you get pissed off enough to let them do it next time.

[@hippo4g93]

You just saved my $9,000 of my currency! About roughly $1,000 US dollars

[@searspartsdirect]

Wow. We're glad to hear that our DIY video helped you out. Thanks for letting us know.

[@hippo4g93]

I have a Frigidaire but it seems to be the same set up ! I actually now need the pulley that drives the belt from the motor shaft

[@searspartsdirect]

@@hippo4g93 The motor pulley that drives the dryer belt on the model shown in the video is part of the dryer motor. The drive pulley on that model isn't sold separately. Here's a link for that dryer motor: www.searspartsdirect.com/product/3n88vr8h9w-0026-417/id-134196602 . To see if your model of laundry center sells the motor pulley separately, key your model number in to the search bar at the top of that page and search for that part on your model. If you need more help, let us know the model number of your laundry center and more details about the failure.

[@wehart2950]

This is not easy.

[@Escobart911]

Thanks!