Can we talk about the change in dryer belt quality over the last five years?

I used to get a solid 18 months out of a generic replacement belt, but now they're cracking in under a year. Is it just cheaper materials or did something else shift?

3 comments

3 Comments

milessmith13d ago

Actually, it's been more like ten years. The quality drop started way before the last five. They switched the belt material formula to save a few cents per unit. It's a thinner rubber compound now. It can't handle the heat cycles like the old stuff. You're not imagining it, they just don't make them like they used to.

jessica_robinson2313d agoMost Upvoted

Found a local shop that still uses the old belts, ask around like @milessmith said.

bennett.vera7d ago

What about the environmental angle, though? That old formula they ditched probably had some nasty chemicals in it. Maybe the new belts are worse but also less toxic to make.