I have a GE gas clothes dryer (model # DWLR473GT0WW)that's making a screeching noise when the drum turns. It appears to be in need of a belt change. How do you go about this for this model of GE dryer? The machine type is 580.

You need to tear it down, clean it well by disassembling all parts and cleaning them, then replace the rear bearing on drum. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVIzcEXjdZQ and others on that site. I would suggest replacing the belt and lubricating moving parts with white lithium grease. Note that on most of the videos it does not show them washing out the parts, but this is important because it's the only way to really get the parts clean, just don't get motor wet or the capacitor if it has one. Vacuum out the motor. I would move the drier out to your garage to have plenty of space to work. You also want to check your vent and clean it, also. The vent should have a short run and be straight as possible. The job is really easier than it sounds. There is no shortcut that will work; it has to be cleaned well. Before you re-assemble it make sure to use white lithium grease (high-temp grease) and grease all bearings. Just vacuuming out the dryer a little does little good. When you replace the bearing you need help to hold the parts in place while you put the drum back in. It's easy to fix this drier. DrTom4444