April 01, 2015

How to replace a band saw drive belt

How to replace a band saw drive belt

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the drive belt on a band saw. The drive belt turns the lower wheel to turn the blade. If the drive belt breaks, the motor runs but the blade won't move. Replace a broken band saw drive belt with the manufacturer-approved band saw part.

Use this guide to replace the drive belt on Craftsman, Ryobi, Wen, Rikon and Tradesman band saws.

Quick links
Tools required
Work gloves
Snap ring pliers
Allen wrench
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Replacing a drive belt in a drive saw

This video explains how to replace the drive belt on a band saw.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off the electricity

    Unplug the band saw’s power cord from the wall outlet.

  2. 02.

    Release the blade tension

    Open the upper and lower cabinet doors.

    Rotate the blade’s quick-release lever to release the blade tension.

    PHOTO: Open the cabinet doors.

    PHOTO: Open the cabinet doors.

    PHOTO: Release the blade tension.

    PHOTO: Release the blade tension.

  3. 03.

    Release the drive belt from the motor pulley

    Loosen the top and bottom mounting screws on the drive motor and pivot the motor inward to release the drive belt tension.

    Remove the drive belt from the motor pulley.

    PHOTO: Loosen the motor mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Loosen the motor mounting screws.

    PHOTO: Pivot the motor inward.

    PHOTO: Pivot the motor inward.

  4. 04.

    Remove the drive belt

    Use snap ring pliers to remove the C-clip from the lower wheel shaft.

    Slide the lower wheel off its shaft and remove the drive belt.

    PHOTO: Remove the C-clip.

    PHOTO: Remove the C-clip.

    PHOTO: Pull the wheel off.

    PHOTO: Pull the wheel off.

  5. 05.

    Install the new drive belt

    Position the drive belt on the lower wheel pulley and, while sliding the wheel onto the shaft, wrap the drive belt over the motor shaft.

    Reinstall the C-clip on the lower wheel shaft.

    Push the drive motor outward to apply tension to the drive belt and tighten the mounting screws on the drive motor.

    PHOTO: Install the new drive belt.

    PHOTO: Install the new drive belt.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the C-clip.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the C-clip.

    PHOTO: Pivot the motor outward.

    PHOTO: Pivot the motor outward.

  6. 06.

    Re-tension the blade

    Reposition the blade on the upper and lower drive wheels.

    Rotate the blade quick release lever to apply blade tension.

    Close the cabinet doors.

    PHOTO: Reposition the blade.

    PHOTO: Reposition the blade.

    PHOTO: Apply blade tension.

    PHOTO: Apply blade tension.

  7. 07.

    Restore power

    Plug the band saw into the electrical outlet.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Symptoms for band saws

Choose a symptom to see related band saw repairs.

Main causes: damaged rubber tire, worn wheel bearings, loose blade tension, dull saw blade…

Main causes: dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension, not using a work piece guide…

Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, feeding work piece to quickly, loose blade tension…

Main causes: broken saw blade, bad drive belt, damaged rubber tire…

Main causes: angle indicator needs adjustment, dull blade…

Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, weak drive motor…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, broken power cord, bad on/off switch, faulty drive motor…

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Repair difficulty
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