12 Reasons Why Your Dryer Is Making Noise and How To Fix

While some dryer noises are ordinary, others might also suggest an issue with your dryer or its elements. When your dryer starts making loud or unsettling sounds, it commonly needs your attention. These noises may have an easy restore or advocate an extra severe problem.

Your first step is in all likelihood to determine what’s causing the noise. Keep reading to find out why your dryer is probably making loud sounds and explore a few potential solutions to deal with the problem.

Located at the back of the dryer, behind the drum, this component usually consists of a ball and socket or a shaft linked to a sleeve bushing. As it wears out, the drum may rub in opposition to the back of the casing, causing a grinding noise. This grinding can often be observed by a high-pitched squealing or squeaking sound.

Don’t ignore this dryer noise! Continuing to use a dryer with a worn drum bearing can lead to motor burnout. You’ll then face a much more complex and costly repair issue.

How to Fix

To determine if this is the problem, remove the dryer cabinet and take off the drive belt. If you have difficulty rotating the drum or hear a grinding (or squealing) noise, the drum bearing might be the issue.

If you’re skilled with tools and confident in your mechanical abilities, you can try replacing the drum bearing yourself. This procedure entails removing the dryer’s front or rear panel, accessing the drum bearing, and putting in a new one. You’ll need a drum bearing package and basic equipment which includes screwdrivers and pliers.

Find a repair guide or video specific to your dryer version for specific commands. If you’re uncertain about the repair or lack experience, it’s best to name an expert.

Drum glides support the dryer drum and allow it to spin smoothly. If those glides turn out to be worn or damaged, the drum won't rotate properly. This can create friction between the drum and other elements of the dryer, resulting in grinding, squeaking, or scraping noises.

When drum glides are damaged, they can lead to uneven drum movement. The drum may shift or wobble as it spins, causing banging or thumping noises against the dryer’s interior.

How to Fix

To check if your drum glides are worn out, you need to take off the dryer cabinet and examine them. If your dryer is hardwired or makes use of gas, it’s really useful to contact an expert for help.

Regularly inspecting and changing them, if needed, can assist keep away from additional damage and maintaining your dryer running smoothly.

Drum rollers are small wheels that support the drum while it rotates. Most dryers feature two rollers at the rear and sometimes an additional two at the front. If these rollers or their axles get damaged, broken, or worn, they can create squeals, squeaks, or thumps.

How to Fix

If your rollers and axles appear worn, loose or don't spin smoothly, you need to replace them. It's wise to replace all the axles even if only one seems problematic. Here’s how to inspect them:

• Open the dryer door and examine the back wall. If you see an opening between the drum and the wall, it probably means you need to update the drum rollers.
• To confirm, unplug the dryer and get rid of the screws from the lid or back depending on your model. Take off the belt from the drum, then turn the drum by means of hand. If any rollers stick or don’t turn easily, it’s time to update them.
• If your dryer is hardwired or gas-powered, consider contacting an expert for assistance.
• If the roller axles wobble while you spin the drum rollers, it’s time for a new one.

Small items like coins, buttons, paperclips, or zippers left in pockets can cause various noises in your dryer. These objects might turn out to be inside the drum and create grinding, screeching, or rumbling noises as they flow around or get lodged within the drum or other components.

If your dryer makes a rattling sound, it may be due to these small objects in the drum. Additionally, objects leaning towards or on top of the dryer can now and again produce knocking or rattling noises

How to Fix

Always check your clothes' pockets for loose items before putting them in the dryer. Also, look for coins under the baffles or lifters. If your dryer makes a loud noise, worn or loose baffles or lifters could be the cause. In that case, contact an appliance professional to replace them.

A flattened roller can cause your dryer to make noise because it no longer supports the drum properly. As the drum turns, a flattened roller might cause the drum to wobble or shift, creating a squeaking, thumping, or rumbling sound.

This happens because the roller can't rotate as smoothly and evenly as it should.

How to Fix

To fix this problem, you may update the worn-out roller with a new one. If you are snug with DIY maintenance, you may follow your dryer’s manual to discover the right roller and commands for replacement.

However, if you're unsure or if changing the curler doesn’t clear up the problem, it’s first-class to name an expert to ensure the whole lot is fixed effectively.

Thumping noises in your dryer can result from socks, washcloths, or heavy objects getting caught inside the drum. If you do not discover any of those objects trapped inside, the issue might be a worn or broken drive belt.

The drive belt is a long, skinny element that enables the motor to turn the drum in your dryer. When the belt gets worn or frayed, it could create a thumping noise as it struggles to turn the drum well.

How to Fix

To take a look at the belt, first unplug your dryer. If your dryer is hardwired or makes use of fuel, you might want to contact an expert. Next, remove the lower access panel to locate the belt, which wraps across the drum, tension pulley, and motor.

If you notice any damage, inclusive of cracks or fraying, it’s wise to contact an equipment expert for help.

This component, made of a felt-like material, cushions the space between the drum and the front and rear bulkheads, preventing excess air from entering the dryer. Over time, it wears out, and as it deteriorates, clothing can get caught in the gap while the drum turns, causing a thumping noise.

Another sign that the drum seal might be the problem is if your clothes come out of the dryer with rips or black marks that weren’t there before.

How to Fix

Unplug the dryer. Move the dryer away from the wall and open the cabinet by following your manual’s instructions. Once you can see the drum, check the seal for any damage. Replace the seal if you spot any wear or tear. If your dryer has several seals, replace all of them at once.

The spring-loaded loafer pulley helps keep the drum belt tight so it does not slip while the dryer is operating. This pulley puts pressure on the belt to maintain it in place as the drum spins. If the pulley wears out it is able to make squeaky noises, especially when you turn on your machine.

How to Fix

• Start by disconnecting the dryer from the power source.
• If necessary, remove the duct that vents the air from the dryer.
• Take off the front or lower panel of the dryer to get inside. Consult your dryer’s manual for specific instructions.
• Find the idler pulley by following the drive belt. The pulley is a wheel mounted on a moveable bracket near the drive motor.
• Take off the belt that wraps around the drum and pulley.
• Try to rotate the pulley by hand. It should turn smoothly. If it doesn’t rotate without difficulty or if you see signs of wear and tear, the idler pulley needs changing.
• Replacing the idler pulley may be complex, so it’s best to contact an appliance expert for assistance. Avoid the usage of the dryer till the restoration is finished.

An overloaded dryer can cause atypical noises due to the fact too many clothes put more pressure on the drum and other parts. This pressure could make the dryer work harder, causing it to make banging, thumping, or squeaking sounds.

How to Fix

Turn off the dryer and take away the clothes. Only put in a few items at a time, making sure there’s sufficient area for the garments to tumble freely. Look inside to make sure nothing else is causing the noise, like gadgets caught within the drum.

The blower wheel in your dryer moves air around inside the drum and pushes it out through the back vent. If it's loose, not balanced correctly, or blocked via lint or particles, it could make a rumbling or thumping sound.

To check if this is the problem, you have two options. Keep in thoughts, if your dryer is hardwired or runs on fuel, you might need to call a professional for assistance.

How to Fix

After turning off the dryer, you can check if the blower wheel is the problem by listening for any continuing noise. If you still hear the noise, the blower wheel might be the issue. You can also check the blower wheel behind the front or rear panel of the dryer. It should be attached to the motor shaft.

When the blower wheel is working correctly, it will help turn the motor and drum. If you try to spin the drum or blower wheel and none of them move, or if you hear a rumbling noise, it's best to call an expert to replace the blower wheel.

Loose objects or parts in your dryer can cause strange noises. Look for any small items like coins or buttons. These can get caught and make noise. Plus, loose or broken parts inside the dryer can also cause noise. Look at the drum belt, rollers, and support wheels.

If the blower wheel is loose or not attached properly, it can make loud noises.

How to Fix

Always turn off and unplug the dryer before checking or fixing it. Take out any items you find in the drum or around the dryer. Use a screwdriver to tighten loose screws or bolts. Replace any broken parts. Make sure the blower wheel is securely attached and balanced.

If the motor is failing or struggling, it may produce a loud humming, squeaking, or grinding noise. This happens because the motor is working harder than usual to turn the drum or blower. Worn-out motor bearings or a damaged belt can also contribute to these sounds.

How to Fix

• Inspect the motor belt for wear and tear. Replace it if it looks frayed or broken.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to the motor bearings if they seem dry.
• Remove any lint or debris from around the motor and vent.
• If the motor is damaged or failing, you may need to replace it with a new one.

If your dryer isn’t spinning, but you can still listen to the motor running, the trouble might be with the dryer belt. The dryer belt is a crucial element that allows the drum to rotate.

This rotation is what permits your clothes to dry properly. Over time, the belt can become wiped out or damaged. When this happens, the drum can't spin as it should.

If you suspect the belt might be the trouble, it's time that you call an expert. They can replace the old, worn-out belt with a brand new one and get your dryer running smoothly once more.

Seek expert assistance in case your dryer is making noises and the subsequent steps haven’t resolved the issue:

• Check the Belt: If you’ve inspected and, if essential, changed a worn or damaged belt, however the noise continues, it may not be the only trouble.
• Clean the Dryer: After thoroughly cleaning the dryer and getting rid of any lint or particles, if the noise persists, the issue could be more critical.
• Lubricate the Motor: If you’ve applied lubricant to the motor bearings and the noise remains present, the motor would possibly need more than simply lubrication.
• Inspect Other Parts: If you’ve checked other parts like the drum rollers and idler pulley, and the noise stays, the trouble could be extra complex.
• Examine Electrical Components: For troubles associated with the dryer’s electric system, including defective wiring or malfunctioning switches, a technician can adequately manage these concerns.

If you’ve tried those steps and the trouble persists, contacting an expert guarantees that your dryer is repaired accurately and efficiently. A technician can use specialized tools and understanding to diagnose and repair issues that you won't be able to discover or restore on your own.

Note if your dryer is hardwired or gas-powered, it involves complex electrical or gas components. In these cases, professional help is essential to avoid safety hazards and ensure proper repairs.