How to Fix the Drum for a Noisy Dryer

If you are hearing a loud thumping or banging noise coming from your dryer, the drum may be misaligned or deformed. If you notice this sound when the dryer is in use but has no items, it is likely that the drum is at fault. Heavy, wet items place a significant amount of pressure on the dryer drum and, over time, this can cause the drum to lose its shape, which prevents it from spinning smoothly and noiselessly. If your drum is damaged in this way, it will need to be replaced. However, if the drum is simply out of place, you can easily adjust it. To find out what the issue is, you’ll need to visually inspect your drum. Don’t worry, we’ll help you out each step of the way!

How to Diagnose the Drum

If you have put heavy laundry in your dryer, such as blankets or sleeping bags, the drum might have been forced to go out-of-round because of the weight. This means that instead of having a circular shape, it becomes egg-shaped and it starts to make a thumping noise. You may need to replace the drum if it continues to make a thumping sound even if you are running light loads in it.

What is a Drum?

The drum is where you place your clothes to dry them. Dryer drums are designed to be highly durable and are often made from materials such as stainless steel or coated with porcelain enamel. These materials allow the drum to resist wear and tear from the movement, high temperatures, and friction that occur while the dryer is in use. The dryer drum is connected to the dryer motor via a belt and rotates as the motor turns the drum. As the drum rotates, the clothes are exposed to the hot air from the blower. This hot air circulates around the clothes, evaporating the moisture and drying them.

Where is the Drum Located?

You can find the drum in the center of the dryer. It is the large, cylindrical tub where you place your clothes to dry. You can access the drum by opening the door of your dryer.

General Location of the Drum in a Dryer

What Type of Noise Can You Expect?

A loud thumping or banging noise can be heard when the drum is broken. If you are unsure what sound you are hearing from your dryer,

How to Access and Remove the Drum

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the lint filter from your dryer.
3. Lift the top panel of the dryer to access the drum. The method will vary depending on the dryer you have.
4. Disconnect the wiring harnesses from the door switch.
5. Carefully remove the front panel of the dryer and set it aside.
6. Check to see that the drum is in the correct place.
7. Remove the belt from around the drum; you will likely need to press down on the idler pulley to release the tension on the belt.
8. Carefully lift the drum out of the dryer cabinet and inspect it.
9. If the drum is damaged or has taken on an egg-like shape, you will need to replace it.

How to Install a New Drum

1. Carefully position the new drum in the dryer cabinet. Make sure it is aligned with the rear drum rollers.
2. Loop the belt under the idler pulley and onto the motor shaft.
3. Carefully lift the front panel into place, aligning it with the clips or screws that secure it to the dryer cabinet.
4. Slide the front panel back on to the dryer frame and hold it in place with the screws or retaining clips.
5. Reconnect the wiring harnesses to the door switch.
6. Rotate the drum with your hands to make sure it is in place and the belt fits well.
7. Replace the top panel of the dryer and put the lint filter back in position.
8. Plug in the dryer, and your repair is done!

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