It’s laundry day.
You toss your wet clothes into the dryer, turn it on, and instead of the usual soothing tumbling sound, you hear a loud squeak, squeal, or scraping noise.
Uh oh.
Is something wrong with your dryer? Could the noise indicate dangerous mechanical issues?
Squeaky, noisy dryers are annoying at best and hazardous at worst.
In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of dryer noises, when the sounds may be a safety concern, and how to inspect and fix a noisy dryer.
Read on to diagnose what’s behind your dryer’s distress call.
What Causes a Dryer to Squeak?
There are a few main culprits of dryer squeaks and squeals:
– Dryer drum supports – The rotating drum that holds the clothes is held in place by drum supports, typically wheels or rollers.
If these become worn out or damaged, the drum will grind or squeak against parts of the dryer.
– Belt – The motor belt that turns the drum can slip or become frayed, creating squeaking, squealing, or high-pitched rubbing noises.
– Idler pulley – This pulley guides the drive belt and keeps it taut.
A worn or stuck pulley squeaks and grinds.
– Bearings – Dryer drums are mounted on bearings.
Dry, worn bearings cause the drum to turn noisily.
– Accumulated lint – Excess lint around moving parts leads to friction and squeaking sounds.
– Loose parts – Parts that aren’t secured properly, like heat shields or housings, can vibrate and rattle.
When Are Dryer Noises Dangerous?
Annoying dryer squeaks and noises are often indicators of needed repairs.
But certain sounds actually warn of hazardous conditions that should be addressed immediately, including:
– Screeching metal-on-metal scraping sounds, signaling damaged drum supports
– High-pitched squealing or screeching from the belt area, indicating a faulty drive belt
– Loud rattling or clanking, which could mean loose internal parts are at risk of detaching
– Grinding noises when starting up, a sign of motor trouble
– Smoke smells or burning odors along with unusual noises point to broken components and frayed wiring
The most common causes of hazardous dryer conditions are worn drum rollers, deteriorated belts, and accumulated lint around the motor and exhaust.
Ignoring hazardous noises risks complete dryer failure, damage from detached parts, and in extreme cases, electrical fires.
Take squeaks, rattling, smoke odors, and burning smells seriously.
How to Inspect and Diagnose a Noisy Dryer
Start dryer troubleshooting by observing and listening closely while running a load.
Note where the noises originate and when they occur.
Common problem areas include:
– Drum – Squeaks, squeals, and scraping noises from the drum area typically mean worn drum rollers.
– Belt – High-pitched rubbing, fraying noises near the belt point to a loose belt.
– Motor – Rattling and grinding near the motor could signify damaged bearings.
– Exhaust – Scraping noises from the exhaust duct indicate blockages.
Safely inspect the following components:
– Rollers and glides – Examine for cracks, missing chunks, and excessive wear or wobble.
Spin the drum by hand to check for grinding.
– Belt – Check for damage like fraying, cracking, detached ribs.
Press on the belt to test its tautness.
– Pulleys – Inspect for jammed rotation or excessive wobble.
– Bearings – See if any are visibly damaged or don’t turn smoothly.
– Exhaust duct and vent – Confirm no blockages or obstructions.
– Internal parts – Check for loose or detached components.
Diagnosing the source of the noise guides the proper repair.
If the cause isn’t obvious through inspection, you may need professional repair assistance.
How to Fix a Squeaky Dryer
Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, here are some tips for DIY dryer noise fixes:
– Worn drum rollers – Order a replacement roller kit and install per instructions.
Lubricate rollers periodically.
– Loose belt – Tighten belt tension by adjusting the idler pulley position or replace the belt.
– Glazed idler pulley – Sand pulley with fine grit sandpaper to reduce squeaking.
– Blocked exhaust – Detach and clean ducts, vents, and outside hood.
– Loose parts – Reattach detached shields, brackets, and housing components with screws.
– Excess lint – Disassemble and thoroughly vacuum out lint around drum, motor, heating element, pulleys.
Prevent future squeaks and rattling by:
– Cleaning the lint filter before every load
– Checking and cleaning exhaust ducts annually
– Leaving the dryer door open between loads to air it out
– Wiping the drum, rollers, and belt with a microfiber cloth monthly
When Squeaky Dryer Noises Signal It’s Time for a Repair Call
While some noisy dryer issues you can fix yourself, certain sounds mean it’s definitely time to call for professional help:
– Loud screeching, grinding, or knocking coming from the motor
– High-pitched whining or growling that persists despite attempts at DIY repair
– Burning smell or smoke coming from dryer interior
– Visibly damaged drum rollers or belt despite replacements
– The start of tumbling is extremely loud or shaking
– Unusual noises begin suddenly in a new dryer
Repair pros have specialized tools and expertise to thoroughly diagnose odd noises and restore safe, quiet operation.
If DIY fixes don’t remedy the sounds, don’t hesitate to call for repairs.
Give Your Dryer a Long, Noise-Free Life
While dryers tend to squeak, rattle, and protest periodically over their lifespan, timely diagnosis and repair can minimize annoying noises and prevent hazards.
With proper use and maintenance, your dryer should operate with a smooth purr for up to 20 years.
Keep your dryer safe and singing happily by regularly inspecting components, cleaning lint buildup, replacing worn parts promptly, and calling repair pros for help when needed.
Follow these tips, and you can feel confident your dryer isn’t protesting too loudly!