How to Troubleshoot and Repair a Noisy Dryer

Dryers make a variety of sounds while they are in use. Most of these sounds are no cause for concern. However, if the sounds you are hearing become louder, more frequent, or are unusual to you, you may need to investigate. It is helpful to know what the noise sounds like, how long it lasts, and when it occurs. Even the general direction of the noise can be useful. Knowing this information will help you figure out which part of your dryer may need repair or replacement.

This guide will first walk you through which sounds are normal and which ones aren’t. Once you’ve established that your dryer is making noise that is excessive and unusual, you will then find a list of parts that may be the cause of each specific sound. Whether you are hearing ticking, squeaking, or thumping, we are here to help you figure out why your dryer is noisy and how we can fix it together.

How to Diagnose a Noisy Dryer

Different sounds produced by a dryer can point to different issues. A rattling or screeching sound could mean that there is a loose object stuck in the dryer's baffles or drum felt. If you're hearing a thumping or squealing sound, the bearing used in the dryer's idler pulley or its drum rollers may have run dry. If your dryer is making a tapping sound, its belt may have split and is slapping against the side of the drum.

Using This Page, You Will be Able to Troubleshoot the Following Symptoms

1. Dryer Squeaking/Chirping
2. Dryer Rumbling
3. Dryer Ticking
4. Dryer Scraping
5. Dryer Thumping/Banging

Inspect These Common Issues First

If your dryer is noisy, make sure to first check these common dryer issues that may be causing the excessive noise before you move on to the specific parts inside your dryer.

FIX TIP

Remember, when troubleshooting any washer symptom, start by unplugging it from the electrical outlet or turning off the breaker.

Is Your Dryer Level?

If your dryer is not level, it will move and shake excessively. You will need to adjust the levelling legs or move it to a different surface. A dryer that is not level with the surface will not only create noise but may also damage the floor it rests on.

Are There Foreign Objects in Your Dryer?

It is easy for small items to fall out of pockets and into various components of your dryer. If there are foreign objects in the dryer, you may hear a loud rattling noise. It is important to empty all your pockets before you do the laundry. While some objects may only create noise as they tumble around, others may result in significant and expensive damage to your dryer.

Are You Loading Your Dryer Correctly?

Dryers are powerful machines; however, there is a limit to how much weight they can carry. Loading too much wet clothing inside your dryer puts the drum inside under a large amount of pressure, which may cause it to spin unevenly or lose its shape. In this case, you will likely hear a thumping or banging noise. It is important that you stick to the loading specifications listed for your model and avoid putting wet items in the dryer, as they weigh more.

Normal Sounds You Might Hear

Humming

A gentle humming or whirring is no need for concern. This is a normal sound that is created by the motor as it powers the rest of your dryer.

Airflow Noise

As air moves around in the dryer, it can create a whooshing sound. This happens at the beginning of the cycle when hot air is blown into the drum and toward the end as the air moves out through the dryer vents. There’s no need to worry about it unless it is excessive and accompanied by other noises.

Clicking

It is common to hear clicking noises as you use your dryer. This can be caused when the door locks, the motor switches on, or the dryer moves through cycles. This is normal, unless the sound starts suddenly and is excessive.

Unusual Noises and What to Expect

The following sounds are commonly reported with noisy dryer symptoms. Further details on specific parts and repair instructions can be found in the Parts List below this section.

Squeaking Sound

There are several reasons your dryer might be making a squeaking or chirping noise. When the dryer belt is worn or damaged, it can create noise as it rubs against the drum or idler pulley. The idler pulley and drum bearing can also create a squeaking noise as they wear down over time. Finally, the drum rollers can squeak if there is a high amount of friction as they rotate.

Rumbling or Thumping Sound

If you hear loud thumping or rumbling coming from your dryer, it is likely that either the dryer is unstable on the surface that it rests on or there may be something heavy inside that is now tumbling around in the dryer. If there is nothing present and the dryer’s leveling legs are in good condition, then you will need to look at other parts that can cause this specific noise. You can inspect the drum for any signs of damage; the idler pulley, blower, and drum bearings for signs wear and tear; or the motor for electrical failure.

Scraping Sound

A scraping sound is usually a sign that a part of your dryer has worn down and moving results in a high amount of friction. It is commonly caused by a worn-out drum seal, which causes the drum to scrape loudly against the dryer housing. You should also check that the dryer belt, drum rollers, bearings, and leveling legs are not worn and in need of replacement.

Ticking Sound

While a moderate amount of ticking is normal, excessive and incessant ticking is a cause for concern. This sound may be created by a faulty timer, a torn belt tapping against the side of the dryer, a worn-out drum seal, foreign objects inside the drum or drum baffles, or a damaged blower.

Humming Sound

Excessive humming or buzzing could indicate a problem with the motor inside the dryer. If you hear humming but your dryer won’t start, it is likely that the motor is experiencing a power supply issue. You should also check that the bearings in the motor are not worn out. If the motor is not the reason behind the humming, you should also inspect the belt, idler pulley, drum bearing, and seal.