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How To Fix A Noisy Dryer
by Steve Ash
A noisy dryer may seem like a daunting repair, but fixing your own appliance is actually pretty easy. The toughest part is figuring out what dryer part is the problem. We’ve created a list of the most common parts that can cause noise in a dryer. Use this list to diagnose the problem you’re having and then enter your model number into the search box to find the right part for you. You’ll also be able to access even more detailed repair help and tips about your dryer.
Drum Glides or Slides
In gas and electric dryers, the drum glides provide support to the front part of the dryer’s drum on both sides. The glides are made from either teflon, nylon or plastic and have a felt or cork backing depending on the maker of the dryer. The glides provide a smooth surface for the drum to rotate on but they can wear out over time producing a scraping sound because of the metal-to-metal contact. Remove the dryer’s cabinet and inspect the glides. If they appear to be worn then the entire set of glides will need to be replaced.
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- 1 - 2 hours
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Drum Bearings
In some models of gas and electric dryers, the drum is supported at the rear by a bearing. Depending on the model of dryer, the bearing may be a ball and socket or a shaft connected to a sleeve bushing. A defective rear bearing will produce a squealing or squeaking noise and will need to be replaced.
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- 1 - 2 hours
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Drum Support Rollers & Shaft
Several models of gas and electric dryers have rollers that support the drum. The rollers are typically located on the rear bulkhead and some models will have them on the front bulkhead as well. These rollers can wear out from usage causing the dryer’s drum to not rotate freely and create a squealing noise or in some cases, a thumping noise. Drum rollers should be replaced as a set as they normally will wear evenly. The shaft that the rollers turn on should be inspected for wear and replaced necessary. To access the drum rollers the front panel of the dryer and the drum will need to be removed.
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Drive Belt
Gas and electric dryers use a belt to rotate the dryer’s drum. The belt can become hard and brittle with age, and portions of the belt may separate and cause a thumping noise when the drum is turning. The belts can be inspected visually by removing the front panel or lifting the main top on some models. If the belt shows any signs of cracking or fraying then it should be replaced.
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- 1 - 2 hours
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Idler Pulley
The idler pulley on a dryer is used to provide tension on the drum belt so that the belt will not slip on the drive motor pulley or drum when the dryer has a load in it. The idler pulley rotates at high speed and over time may fail due to increased friction. A squeaking or squealing noise can be heard and can progress to a loud scraping or thumping noise in time. With the belt removed the idler pulley should turn freely on the shaft with no play. Also, check the shaft for signs of wear and replace if required. The idler pulley and shaft are normally located next to the drive motor at the bottom of the dryer and can be serviced with the lower access panel or front panel removed.
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- 30 - 60 minutes
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Felt Drum Seal
The drum seals are used to prevent excess air from entering the dryer drum and act as a cushion between the drum and the front and rear bulkheads. The drum seals are made up of a felt like material. If the seal is torn or is worn then clothing can become stuck in the gap when the drum is turning. This can produce a scraping or thumping noise and the clothes can also be ripped and/or have black marks on them.
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- 1 - 2 hours
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Blower Wheel & Housing
The blower wheel in gas and electric dryers is used to draw the air from the heating chamber, through the drum and out the exhaust vent. The blower wheel is normally made of plastic and can wear out over time. It is typically attached to the end of the motor and may be threaded onto the shaft or held in place with a clamp. If the blower wheel becomes loose then the symptom is usually a loud thumping or roaring noise is usually heard. Inspect the housing area for any objects that might be hitting the wheel and inspect the hub of the wheel where it attaches to the shaft of the motor. If worn, then the blower wheel will need to be replaced.
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- 1 - 2 hours
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Baffle or Lifter
Baffles or lifters located on the inner surface of the drum are used to tumble the clothes in your dryer. If a baffle becomes loose it can produce a thumping or banging noise and will eventually break off. Check for any loose change or metal objects that may become lodged under the baffles causing a rattling noise, and repair or replace any loose or damaged baffles before they cause damage to your clothing.
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- 15 - 30 minutes
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Motor
Gas and electric dryers have a motor that turns the blower and the dryer drum. A defective motor can produce a variety of sounds, such as a ratting noise from a loose pulley, a high-pitched noise from a bad bearing or bushing or a humming noise from a bad winding or switch on the motor. You may need to remove the drum belt or the blower wheel to isolate the motor as the source for the noise.
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