Dryer Making Loud Noise? Squeal, Thump, Rattle Fixes

Dryer making loud noise is almost always a worn mechanical part, and the type of sound tells you which. A squeal usually points to the belt, idler pulley or rollers. A thump points to a flat spot on the belt or a worn drum support.

A rattle suggests something loose in the drum, and grinding points to worn rollers or a failing motor bearing. Unplug the dryer before you investigate.

Dryer making loud noise: match the sound to the part

Sound	Likely cause	What to do
High squeal that starts when the drum turns	Dry idler pulley, worn belt or drum rollers	Replace the pulley, belt or rollers
Rhythmic thump	Flat spot on the belt, a stuck item, worn glide	Check belt and drum support
Rattle or clank	A coin, zip or button in the drum, loose panel	Empty the drum, tighten screws
Grinding or rumbling	Worn drum rollers or motor bearings	Replace rollers; test the motor
Scraping	Drum rubbing the front or rear seal	Check seals and drum glides
Humming	Motor struggling or a jammed drum	Unplug; check the drum and belt

Quick facts: dryer making loud noise
Time needed	15 minutes to identify; 1 to 2 hours to replace parts
Tools	Screwdriver, nut driver, putty knife, replacement parts
Difficulty	Moderate
Safety	Unplug before opening; shut off gas on a gas dryer

Simple checks first

1. Empty the drum. Check for coins, keys, zips, underwire or buttons. Look in the pockets of the clothing you dried.
2. Level the dryer. An unlevel dryer vibrates. Adjust the feet so it sits flat and stable.
3. Check for loose panels or screws on the cabinet, which can rattle when the drum turns.
4. Spin the drum by hand with the dryer unplugged. It should turn smoothly with only light resistance. Roughness, scraping or noise points to rollers or glides.

Wear parts that make noise

• Drum rollers (support wheels). These carry the drum. When they wear, they cause squealing, rumbling or thumping.
• Idler pulley. It keeps tension on the belt. A dry bearing squeals.
• Drive belt. A worn or glazed belt squeals, and a flat spot causes a thump.
• Drum glides or slides on front-load drums wear and scrape.
• Motor bearings. Humming or grinding from the motor needs a technician.

Replacing common parts

Parts differ by model, so use the model number printed inside the door to order exact matches. Most dryers open by lifting the top or removing the front panel. Replace worn rollers and the idler pulley together with the belt, since they wear at the same rate. Take photos as you disassemble to help with reassembly.

When the dryer is too noisy to ignore

A dryer making loud noise that is getting worse should be fixed before a part fails completely. A seized roller or pulley can tear the belt, damage the drum, or stress the motor. If the noise is accompanied by burning smells, stop using it.

When to call a professional

Call if the motor makes noise, if the repair involves the drum, gas parts or wiring, or if you do not want to open the cabinet. A technician usually carries common belts, rollers and pulleys.

Preventing noise

Do not overload, keep the dryer level, remove objects from pockets, and replace worn parts promptly. A yearly look at the belt and rollers with the dryer unplugged catches wear early. Listen to the dryer empty as well as loaded: a noise that only appears with a load points to the belt or rollers, while one that appears empty points to the motor or pulley. Tell the technician which case you have.

Dryer making loud noise: matching the sound to the part

The sound a dryer makes narrows the cause. A squeal often points to a worn drum roller or an idler pulley. A thump or bang usually comes from something caught in the drum, such as a coin or a shoe, or from a worn drum support. A rattle can be a loose screw, a fan blade touching the housing or a heater element that has shifted. Listen for when the noise starts, such as at the start of a cycle or during the spin.

Empty the drum and check it for objects before anything else. Then turn the drum by hand with the power off. Roughness, grinding or a stiff spot tells you which roller or bearing to inspect. A dryer making loud noise that does not stop after you remove objects and check the rollers should be inspected by a technician before the damage spreads.

A dryer making loud noise after a load of heavy towels usually points to the drum or the belt. If a dryer making loud noise stops when the drum is empty, the cause may be a loose item or a worn support.

Related reading

• Dryer Won't Start? Power, Door Switch, Fuse and Motor Checks
• Dryer Smells Like Burning? What to Do Right Away
• Dryer Not Heating? Vent, Element, Fuse and Igniter Checks
• How to Clean a Dryer Vent: Step-by-Step and Fire Warning Signs

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