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.
This video explains how to replace the drive belt on a band saw.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the electricity
Unplug the band saw’s power cord from the wall outlet.
- 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: Release the blade tension.
- 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: Pivot the motor inward.
- 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: Pull the wheel off.
- 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: Reinstall the C-clip.
PHOTO: Pivot the motor outward.
- 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: Apply blade tension.
- 07.
Restore power
Plug the band saw into the electrical outlet.
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...
Repair guides for band saws
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your band saw.
How to replace a band saw on-off switch
If the switch won't turn the band saw on or off, it could be defective. Replace the switch, using these steps....
How to replace a band saw blade
If the saw blade is dull or damaged and isn't cutting cleanly, replace the blade following these steps....
How to replace a band saw drive belt
If the motor runs but the blade doesn't move, it could be that the drive belt is broken. Here's how to replace it....
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