Why Is My Dryer Making Noise?

Worn idler pulley bearing (squealing)

The idler pulley maintains tension on the drive belt throughout the cycle. Its bearing wears progressively, first producing a high-pitched squeal at all drum speeds. The bearing eventually seizes completely, at which point the belt can no longer move and the drum stops turning. Most idler pulley failures are preceded by weeks or months of squeal.

Worn drum support rollers (thumping)

Drum rollers support the drum as it rotates. As their bearings wear, they develop flat spots or bearing play that produces a rhythmic thumping sound correlated exactly with drum rotation speed. The thumping typically worsens with load weight.

Worn drum glide strips or front bearing (scraping)

Front-load dryers use plastic drum glides or a felt seal at the front bulkhead to support the drum rim as it rotates. When these wear through, the metal drum rim contacts the metal cabinet front, producing a persistent scraping sound throughout the cycle.

Worn drive belt (slapping, squeaking)

A drive belt that has glazed, cracked, or stretched to the point of irregular tension produces intermittent slapping, squeaking, or snapping sounds. This is usually a precursor to belt breakage.

Rear drum bearing or motor bearing (grinding)

The rear drum shaft rides in a bearing that can wear to produce a grinding, metallic sound that increases with load and worsens progressively. A motor bearing failure produces a similar sound with a characteristic pitch.

Loose object or debris in drum (rattling, clunking)

Coins, small hardware, or other objects trapped between the drum and the front or rear panel produce irregular clunking or rattling sounds. Check the drum interior for visible items and the gap between the drum lip and the front panel.