Dryer Makes Squeaking Noises – How To Fix

Is your clothes dryer noisy? We will show you the most common causes for a noisy dryer. Most of the time an older dryer (gas or electric) will squeak and grind when parts begin to wear out. The most difficult aspect of fixing your clothes dryer is knowing exactly where the noise is coming from. Knowing what parts to remove and replace is key to repairing this yourself. Sometimes all you may need to do is lubricate some areas inside your dryer to fix the noise for good. NOTE: Always unplug any appliance from electrical power before attempting repairs.

noisy dryer

Below is a complete list of dryer parts and where to locate them inside of your dryer to stop the noise. Please note that this list of parts may differ in names or location on certain dryers. The parts we list are generalized and for all dryer brands and types including GE, Kenmore, Maytag, Whirlpool, etc. Check the dryer diagram below to find the location of the parts you may need to replace.

DRYER PARTS LOCATION

Drum Slides
The drum slides (aka Glides or Pads) are there to support the front of the tumbling drum. As the drum moves it rides on the glides and they wear out over time. When the drum slides wear out, you will hear a “metal to metal” scraping or grinding sound. The best thing to do is remove and replace ALL of the slides in a set if any one of them is worn out.

Idler Pulley
This idler pulley provides tension on the drum belt. The tension the pulley provides makes it so the belt will not fall off. Usually this pulley will fail from years of heavy friction. A squeal type of noise can be a good sign that the idler pulley is worn. The idler pulley should roll freely when the belt is removed. If it does not, it should be removed and replaced. This pulley is located next to the drive motor usually at the bottom of the dryer. To gain access to the idler pulley, remove the bottom panel of your dryer.

Drive Belt
A frayed or damaged drive belt will cause your dryer to make loud noises. A damaged belt causes the noise as it rides on the pulleys. A “every so often” squeaking noise is usually the sign of a worn out belt. A dryer drive belt is a thin band that goes around the entire dryer drum. It rides on a tension pulley and the dryer motor pulley. If you find the belt in your dryer is worn out, replace it with a new one asap.

Drum Support Rollers
If your dryer makes a rumbling type of noise the support rollers may be worn out. These rollers are usually on the rear bulkhead but some models may have them in the front of the dryer also. When these support rollers wear out, usually the drum will not rotate easily. So if your dryers drum is not moving freely, then most likely the rollers are worn. Drum support rollers will wear out evenly and all of them should be replaced at the same time. To access the drum rollers you need to remove the front panel and the dryer drum.

Drum Support Bearing
The dryer drum bearing is there to support the back of the drum. If the dryer makes a scraping or squeaking noise then this bearing is probably worn out. Remove and replace this bearing if you find it to be worn or damaged. The dryer will need to be taken apart to install a new bearing.

Blower Wheel
The blower wheel can collect a large amount of lint and other gunk. When your dryer is noisy with a strange noisy pitch, there may be lint buildup on the blower wheel. You can simply clean the lint or buildup off of the blower wheel to quiet the noise. Another issue with this wheel is the sleeve within it may wear out. If so the wheel will vibrate and cause noise. Remove and replace the blower wheel if this is the case.


How to fix a squeaky noisy dryer

If you have any other suggestions as to why a dryer would be making noises, please leave a comment below to help out others who are having the same issue.

1 thought on “Dryer Makes Squeaking Noises – How To Fix”

  1. Ron Rosling Jr

    My dryer sounds like a grinding noise on the bottom there are only two belts going around the drum one is missing is that the problem there should be three going around the drum

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