[rdsmithjr]

My washing machine slowly began to get a little squeeky and a couple of days ago while in a spin cycle smoke filled my hallway. I pulled off the front access panel and noticed black dust and small shreds of the belt. I would like to start by replacing the belt... How do I do that?

[PS Staff - Sheila]

Before replacing the belt check and make sure that every thing is turning freely.

Remove the belt by moving the idler pulley to the left and rolling the belt off the large pulley.

The hoses can stay on the pump while you change the belt.

Turn the large pulley to make sure it turns freely.

Disconnect the wiring harness from the motor switch.

Remove the four screws holding the motor and the mounting bracket to the washer base and then lift the complete assembly out of the washer.

Check to see if the motor pulley is turning freely.

If it does not there may be some thing in the pump.

Remove the three allen head screws holding the pump to the motor.

Check the motor again.

If it moves freely your trouble is the pump.

There may be something in the pump causing it to bind.

Remove the hoses and look inside for a small item such as a sock.

Make sure you have a bucket to catch the water that is in the pump when you take the hoses off.

Here is a link to your washer model ALW540RAC.