how to fix a squeaky dryer

If your dryer is making noise, there's a good chance that something is wrong. There are a few options for dealing with a dryer that's making a loud noise. You can ignore the sound and hope it goes away, you can try to troubleshoot and repair the machine yourself, or you can call in a professional.

No amount of wishful thinking is going to quiet a noisy appliance, so we've put together a list of typical problems and solutions to help you decide the best course of action for a dryer that is making noise.

If Your Dryer is Making Squeaking Noise, This Could be the Issue

A dryer can make a loud squeaking noise if a part called the idler pulley is not functioning properly.

The idler pulley puts tension on the drum belt to keep it from slipping while the dryer is spinning. Friction build-up can cause the pulley to wear out and is often responsible for a squeaking noise.

Check it out by unplugging the dryer and removing the front or lower access panel. The idler pulley and shaft are next to the drive motor. After removing the belt, manually turn the pulley. If it doesn't rotate smoothly, you should replace the pulley and shaft.

Dryer Making a Grinding Noise? Here's How to Troubleshoot

Dryer is making noise that sounds like grinding: how to troubleshoot. Like many dryer parts, the drum support bearing can wear out over time and make a grinding noise. It supports the rear of the dryer drum so it gets a lot of use with each load of laundry.

To troubleshoot this part, unplug the dryer, remove the front panel and belt. Try to turn the drum by hand. If the bearing is worn out, you'll notice it's hard to turn and will make a grinding sound. It's time to replace the bearing.

If Your Dryer is Making Squealing Noise, This Part Could be the Culprit

A long, thin drive belt helps the dryer drum spin. It wraps around the drum, tension pulley and drive motor. After years of use, the drive belt can fray or crack and cause a squealing noise when the dryer runs. Inspect the belt for signs of damage by unplugging the machine and removing the lower access panel. Replace the drive belt if it's worn.

A high-pitched squealing noise can also be caused from a bad bearing, bushing, winding or switch on the motor. The motor turns the dryer drum and operates the blower to dry the clothes.

You can isolate the sound by unplugging the dryer and removing the blower wheel or drum belt through the front access panel. Once you've determined the noise is coming from the motor, you should contact a professional appliance repair service to replace the motor.

A Dryer Making a Thump Noise Probably Has This Issue

If your dryer is making noise that sounds like thumping, it probably has this issue. A torn drum seal can produce a thumping noise as excess air enters the dryer drum. It's supposed to cushion the space between the drum and the front and rear bulkheads, but often wears out after many years of use. You may also notice rips or black marks on your clothing as they become stuck when the drum is turning.

Disconnect the power supply, open the dryer cabinet, and remove the drum. Peel the felt seal from the dryer drum and remove any remnants with fine-grit sandpaper. Use liquid adhesive remover to clean the edge of the drum and dry thoroughly.

Place a new seal around the drum and attach with adhesive underneath the seal and around the drum. Once dry, reinstall the drum and close the cabinet. This can be quite labor-intensive and may require a professional service technician.

Dryer Making a Screeching Noise? Do This.

The drum support rollers and shaft are located on the front and rear bulkheads. Over time, they can wear out and cause a screeching noise.

Access the rollers through the front panel after unplugging the dryer. Remove the rollers, and clean and lube them up. We recommend using 30-weight oil. Lubing up the drum support rollers will allow the drum to turn easily.

When you remove the drum support rollers, carefully examine them for signs of wear. If they look worn, then it's time to replace them.

While you have the dryer open, take a look at the roller shaft, a part that looks a little bit like a rolling pin. This part can also wear out, so if you see signs of wear, it may be time to replace the roller shaft as well.

If You Need Professional Support, Give Us a Call

If your dryer is making noise and you need professional support, give us a call. If you're just not handy at repairing appliances or don't have the time to troubleshoot the issue, Puls can help. We've got a dedicated, experienced team of technicians on call to repair your machine, and even offer same day appointments.

For a low fee of $79, an expert repair specialist will inspect, diagnose, and offer a solution to your problem. Approve the repair through Puls and we'll wave your diagnostic fee. Appliance repairs start at just $139 so you won't break the bank.

All repairs are covered by our peace-of-mind 90-day guarantee so you can feel confident the job will be done right.

Don't ignore that noisy dryer another minute. Book a Puls online appointment at a time that works for you.

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Debbie D.

Debbie Dey is a professional writer with over three decades of experience in residential construction. Her background gives her a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of home improvement projects, which she enjoys sharing through her writing. She has been a Puls staff writer since 2018. In her free time, you can find her relaxing by the water or cruising with her husband in their sports car.