Product review (5 stars): Dryer works like new, fairly easy do-it-yourself fix
I diagnosed the problem with my dryer via the help of the internet and taking it apart. The belt was clearly deteriorating and apparently had come off of the pulley assembly because the wheel on the pulley was worn down on one side. (Before the barrel ceased to turn completely, it was making a terrible screeching noise). I am not particularly mechanically inclined (32-year-old female academic), but I simply could not afford to purchase a new dryer or hire a professional to fix a cheap 7 year old dryer. And I am glad I didn't. It was about a 1.5 hour fix - the hardest part was taking apart and putting the dryer back together, which is much easier with two people just to have someone hold things in place. And with a simple change of parts it works like new. I can't believe people throw appliances away when they simply need one small part to work again.