Solved! Why Is My Dryer Squeaking ?

A squeaky dryer can be a cause for concern. These helpful troubleshooting tips can help you determine the cause of the noise and how to fix it.

Question : Recently, I have noticed that my dryer squeaks every time I run it. Not only is the squeaking annoying, but I’m afraid it’s a sign that the dryer is damaged. So why is my dryer squeaking and what should I do?

Answer: Noisy appliances can be very annoying, so it’s natural to ask “Why does my dryer squeak?” A noisy dryer is certainly not a normal wear and tear phenomenon. It usually indicates that a part is worn out and needs to be repaired. At best, it could be a few loose screws or squeaky bearings, but at worst, it could be a failing motor. In either case, the problem should be fixed immediately to prevent further damage. First, try to identify the location of the squeaking: top, rear, front or bottom. This will help determine which part is likely to be malfunctioning and may give a clue as to the extent of the repair needed. It can also help in making the decision to call in one of the best appliance repair services or to try to do it yourself. Here are some possible causes of a squeaky dryer running.

Squeaky dryer?
It may be time to call in a professional. Get free, no obligation project estimates from appliance repair professionals near you.
Before you contact a dryer repair technician, there are a few things to check quickly.
In some cases, squeaking may not be a sign of dryer damage. For example, if the floor or subfloor under the dryer is not solid, the vibrations from the dryer may cause it to squeak and it may be time to replace the subfloor. If the floor is not level or the drum is overloaded, the dryer can also cause significant noise. A professional who installs dryer vents can verify that the metal duct can squeak against the machine or wall when agitated. Inside, loose objects, such as coins, can get caught in the lint trap and make noise. Homeowners and renters can eliminate these possibilities in advance to avoid an unnecessary service call.

The roller wheels or bearings might not be lubricated properly.

Ideally, the squeaking of the dryer comes from the wheels or bearings at the bottom of the dryer; this is a relatively easy problem to solve. As the dryer drum spins, especially with large loads, the dryer will move slightly while it is running. If the wheels or feet on the bottom of the dryer have become loose or uneven, they can cause a squeaking noise. In most cases, a small amount of WD-40 is sufficient to grease them and eliminate the squeaking. If the dryer is sitting on screwed feet, simply tightening them will solve the problem.

The tension pulley may have lost its traction and needs to be replaced.
If the dryer is squeaking from below, there may be a problem with the tension pulley. This part is an automatic tensioning device for the dryer belt. The user can check the condition of the tension pulley: If the pulley wheel is broken or loose, a squeaking dryer would be the result. In this case, some dryers will require a complete replacement of the pulley, while others will only need to replace the wheel. A professional appliance repairman can advise the customer on the best course of action.

The drum slide bearings may be defective and need to be replaced.
The drum slide bearings can also cause the dryer to squeak. They produce a squeaking or rubbing noise towards the front of the dryer. This part allows the drum to slide smoothly as it rotates against the front seal. The user can inspect the slide bearings for wear. Minor signs of wear may be enough to warrant replacement of the part. If the front seal has been damaged by defective drum slide bearings, it may need to be replaced.

The drum felt seal may be torn and require attention.
Most dryers are equipped with a felt seal around the perimeter of the drum to prevent air from escaping during the drying cycle. The gasket also prevents clothes from getting caught in the gap between the drum and the partition. When the gasket wears out, clothes can get caught in this space, causing a loud scraping noise and tears in the clothes. A new gasket can be purchased and is relatively easy to install, but many prefer to call an appliance repairman to make the replacement.

The dryer fan wheel may have come loose and needs to be tightened or replaced.
The fan wheel transports warm air from the heating chamber to the drum. Over time, exposure to hot air can wear away the plastic on the impeller and cause it to come loose. This can cause the dryer to make squeaking or thumping noises when the unit is turned on. In some cases, the fan wheel can be tightened, but if it is permanently damaged, it should be replaced.

Baffles or lifters may be loose and should be tightened or replaced.
The baffles on the dryer, also known as lifters or fins, protrude from the drum and allow clothes to be picked up and aired during the drying cycle. When the baffles become loose or start to unscrew, they can make noise when the drum is running. It may be necessary to attach or replace the baffles to correct this problem.

The dryer bearings and motor may need to be replaced.
A faulty motor is usually identified by a squeaking or grinding noise, not by a burning smell coming from the dryer. If the squeaking comes from the back of the dryer, the problem may be a faulty motor or faulty bearings. This problem should be resolved quickly; squeaky bearings can break the motor, in which case the dryer will not start at all.

Once the dryer is unplugged, the repairman or owner can open the unit and check to see if the bearings need to be lubricated or replaced. Replacing the motor may require removing the wiring, clamps or pulley. If this seems a little more daunting to tackle, a professional can do the job with confidence.

If the cause of the squeaky dryer is not obvious, an appliance repair technician can diagnose the problem and offer potential solutions.
Homeowners are often tempted to try to make the repairs themselves in order to save on appliance repair costs. However, those who are not particularly familiar with the mechanics of a dryer are well advised to have a professional inspect the appliance. Unfortunately, the answer to the question “Why is my dryer so noisy?” is not always obvious. While some solutions may seem simple, there is always a risk of further damage to the dryer or injury to yourself. In addition, many DIY solutions can do more harm than good and result in an even higher repair bill. Appliance technicians are experts on broken dryers and will be able to diagnose the problem, order the necessary replacement parts, and make the repairs much more efficiently. It’s also a good idea for homeowners and renters to have the number of the best dryer vent cleaning and repair service on hand for maintenance to extend the life of the dryer as long as possible.