How to Fix a Dryer Making Loud Squeaking Noises

A squeaking dryer can be annoying but it doesn’t always mean you have a serious problem with your machine. This guide will help you troubleshoot the problem and determine whether you can fix it yourself or if professional assistance is required.

We’ll explore the common causes of a loud squeaking dryer and offer guidance on how to fix the issue so you can keep your laundry room running quietly.

Cause 1: The dryer isn’t level

A dryer can sometimes make a squeaking noise if it’s not level. This is because the drum can become unbalanced and apply uneven pressure or rub against components, creating additional friction and a squeaking sound.

How to fix it

1. Place a level on top of the dryer, checking both side-to-side and front-to-back
2. If the appliance is unlevel, adjust its legs until it’s level.
3. Ensure the dryer is on a flat, stable surface.

Cause 2: Drive belt issue

A squeaking noise may be a sign that the drive belt is frayed, worn out, or loose. The drive belt is a long, thin strap that wraps around the drum, motor, and idler pulley to rotate the drum. If the belt breaks completely, the drum will no longer spin.

However, replacing a damaged drive belt is relatively inexpensive and many people can install a new one themselves.

How to fix it

1. Unplug your dryer.
2. Remove the lint trap and the two screws from the filter cavity.
3. Take off the front and top panels of the dryer to inspect the drive belt.
4. Inspect the drive belt for signs of wear, such as fraying, cracking, or breakage.
5. If the belt is damaged, release the tension by pushing in the idler pulley and then lift off the old belt.
6. Purchase a new drive belt that’s compatible with your dryer model and install it, making sure it fits securely over the motor, idler pulley, and drum.

Cause 3: Faulty idler pulley

The idler pulley applies tension to the drive belt, ensuring it stays in place while the dryer is running. It looks like a wheel mounted on a spring-loaded arm.

Issues with the idler pulley, such as it being loose or damaged or the wheel having seized, can result in a squeaking noise coming from the front of your dryer. If the idler pulley is faulty, it will need to be replaced.

How to fix it

1. Unplug your dryer.
2. Access and remove the drive belt as described in the previous section.
3. Inspect the idler pulley for signs of damage, wear, or breakage. Spin the wheel manually to see if it squeaks or doesn’t turn easily.
4. If any of the above apply, remove the old faulty idler pulley by unbolting it from its mounting point.
5. Purchase a new idler pulley that’s compatible with your dryer model and install it in the correct position.
6. Put the drive belt back on, reassemble the dryer, and run a cycle to see if the squeaking has stopped.

Cause 4: Worn drum bearing

Located between the back of the dryer drum and the dryer casing, the rear drum bearing provides support and enables smooth rotation. Over time, this component can wear down from normal usage or may wear out faster if the dryer is consistently overloaded.

When the bearing starts to fail, it often produces a loud squeaking sound that can progress to a grinding noise as the drum comes into contact with the casing. Replacing a worn-out drum bearing isn’t simple, so hire a professional if needed.

How to fix it

1. Unplug your dryer.
2. Access and remove the drive belt as described in section 2.
3. Remove the drum by carefully lifting it out to gain access to the rear drum bearing assembly that’s attached to the back of the drum and the back panel of the dryer cabinet.
4. Your dryer will likely have a sleeve bearing, ball bearing, or ball and socket assembly.
5. Inspect the rear drum bearing assembly for any signs of damage or wear, such as scoring, thinning, flattening, or cracks.
6. If the rear drum bearing assembly is damaged in any way, it should be replaced entirely. The various parts are typically secured with bolts and screws.
7. If you choose to replace the drum bearing assembly yourself, purchase all of the parts required, ensuring that they are compatible with your dryer model. Install the parts, reassemble your dryer, and run a cycle to see if the squeaking has stopped.

Cause 5: Worn drum rollers

Drum rollers are small wheels that provide stability to the drum and facilitate smooth rotation. Typically, there are at least two drum rollers located at the back of the dryer.

Over time, these rollers can wear out, leading to a squeaking noise during operation. If they become misshapen, they may also cause a thumping sound. In either case, they’ll need to be replaced.

How to fix them

1. Unplug your dryer.
2. Access and remove the drive belt and dryer drum as described in previous sections.
3. Locate and inspect the drum rollers, which resemble rubber wheels. Typically, there are either two or four of these rollers.
4. If you find that any of the drum rollers are damaged, worn out, or not spinning smoothly, you must replace the entire set rather than just one roller.
5. Purchase a new set of rollers that’s compatible with your dryer model. To install new drum rollers, start by unbolting and taking out the old ones using a socket wrench. Then, secure the new rollers in place with the same tool.

Cause 6: Worn drum glides

Drum glides are inexpensive plastic components that are relatively easy to replace. The front of the dryer drum is supported by these glides, which provide a smooth surface for the drum to spin on. However, when these glides wear out, they can cause a squeaking or scraping noise during a cycle.

Most dryers are equipped with two to four drum glides and if one needs to be replaced, it’s recommended to replace them all to prevent any imbalance in the machine as others may also be partially worn.

How to fix them

1. Unplug your dryer.
2. To access the drum glides, remove the front panel. Depending on your specific dryer model, you might also need to take off additional panels, such as the top panel.
3. Find the drum glides located on the inside of the front panel or around the drum opening.
4. Unclip, unscrew, or pry off the old glides, being sure to remove them all.
5. Purchase new glides that are compatible with your dryer and install them in their correct positions.
6. Reassemble your appliance and run a cycle to see if the squeaking sound is gone.