POSSIBLE FIXES FOR A DRYER THAT’S MAKING LOUD NOISES

WHY IS MY DRYER MAKING LOUD NOISES?

If the subtle whir of your dryer has turned into a loud squeaking, grinding, banging or rumbling noise, there are a few possible causes: 

• Worn bearings, idler pulleys or glides

• Loose or unlevel dryer legs

• Worn out drum bearings, roller shafts, drive belt or drum glides

• Loose, off-balance or clogged blower wheel

• Loose items in the dryer drum

• Unbalanced load

HOW TO FIX A LOUD DRYER

The type of noise your dryer is making can help you determine the right troubleshooting approach. Some dryer noises can be remedied with a few simple adjustments, while others may require extensive repairs and the help of a professional. 

Explore the possible fixes for a loud dryer below to help get your appliance back in working order.

1. SQUEALING OR SQUEAKING SOUND

A squeaky or squealing sound can indicate a few issues. The location of the sound can actually help you figure out the right solution. So, the first step to troubleshoot a squeaky dryer is to determine where the sound is coming from. If the sound is coming from:  

• The bottom: The dryer legs may be unlevel or loose. Tighten the legs with a wrench and make sure the appliance is installed on a flat, level surface.

• The front: The dryer’s idler pulley may be worn. Replacing this part may require the help of a professional.

• The back: This can be caused by damaged drum bearings, roller shafts, drive belts or drum glides that may need to be replaced. If you hear a squeak or screeching noise from the back of your dryer, schedule a service with a licensed technician to investigate it further.

2. KNOCKING OR RATTLING DRYER SOUNDS

A loud rattling dryer could be a sign of loose items rolling around the dryer drum. Thankfully, this dryer noise may be an easy fix that you can handle on your own. 

• Use a level to ensure that the dryer legs are even and level. Adjust if needed.

• Inspect the area around the dryer and clear away any items resting against it. Objects placed in pedestal drawers, under the appliance or on top of the machine can lead to a rattling noise during operation.

• Remove any loose items from the dryer drum. Small items like zippers, buckles, buttons, coins, pens or paper clips make a rattling noise when they tumble through the dryer.

• Remove the lint screen and inspect the lint chute for items like coins, buttons and even socks. These items can occasionally fall into the chute and hit the blower wheel, causing a rattling or knocking sound.

3. GRINDING SOUND

Dryers that make a loud grinding sound may have old, worn drum bearings or glides. If you notice a grinding noise coming from your dryer when running a cycle, you may need to schedule a service with a licensed technician. Replacing these dryer parts can be difficult and may be best left to professionals.

4. THUMPING DRYER NOISE

An unbalanced load or drying solid, firm items, like tennis shoes, can create a thumping noise inside your dryer. 

• When drying large items like sheets, curtains, tablecloths and comforters, untangle the fabric and loosely place the items in the dryer drum.

• Instead of drying your tennis shoes in your appliance, set the shoes on a drying rack to air dry.

5. RUMBLING NOISE

A loose, off-balance or blocked blower wheel can create a rumbling noise when your dryer is in use. Fixing this dryer noise can be a challenging task, and professional assistance is recommended.

6. CLICKING NOISE

If you have a gas dryer, you may hear a clicking noise throughout the drying cycle–but there’s no reason to panic. The clicking is a normal operation sound that comes from the gas valve as the dryer maintains the proper temperature for the cycle you selected.

NOISY DRYER TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

While some dryer noises are caused by the wear and tear that every appliance faces over time, others might be preventable. Help prevent and troubleshoot dryer noises by using the tips below.

• Perform regular maintenance: Simple weekly maintenance like cleaning the lint trap and clearing away any loose items from the dryer drum can help prevent many dryer noises.

• Space out your appliances: If your washer and dryer sit too close together, the vibrations of each cycle may cause them to bump into each other. Try to leave space between the appliances to help avoid this noise.

• Check your pockets: Loose items like pens, coins, hair clips and buttons can get trapped in your dryer and lead to noise during operation. Clear out your pockets before placing items in the dryer.