Dryer Making Loud or Unusual Noises: Common Causes and How to Fix It

A dryer that makes loud banging, squealing, thumping, or grinding noises during operation often indicates a worn or damaged internal component. Continuing to use the dryer with these noises can lead to further damage or a complete breakdown.

Before replacing parts, check for coins, buttons, or other small items caught in the drum. If the problem continues, the following are the most common causes of a noisy dryer and the recommended solutions.

1. Dryer Drum Support Rollers

Most Common Solution

Why It Causes Noise

Worn or flat-spotted support rollers create a rumbling or squeaking noise as the drum rotates over them.

Common causes include:

  • Worn rollers
  • Flat spots on rollers
  • Dry or seized bearings

Symptoms include:

  • Rumbling noise that increases with drum speed
  • Noise most noticeable when the drum is empty
  • Grinding sound during rotation

How to Replace Dryer Drum Support Rollers

  1. Disconnect power to the dryer.
  2. Remove the front or rear panel to access the drum.
  3. Remove the drive belt.
  4. Slide the drum out of the cabinet.
  5. Remove the worn support rollers.
  6. Install the replacement rollers.
  7. Reinstall the drum and belt.
  8. Reassemble the panel and test drum rotation.

Find Dryer Drum Roller Parts
Enter your dryer model number to locate the correct replacement part.

2. Dryer Drum Glides or Slides

Why It Causes Noise

Front glides support the drum where it meets the front bulkhead. When worn, they can cause a thumping or scraping noise as the drum turns.

Common causes include:

  • Worn glide
  • Cracked slide
  • Missing glide

Symptoms include:

  • Thumping noise at the front of the dryer
  • Scraping sound during rotation
  • Drum wobbles slightly during operation

How to Replace Dryer Drum Glides

  1. Disconnect power to the dryer.
  2. Remove the front panel to access the drum.
  3. Remove the drum from the cabinet.
  4. Remove the worn glides from the bulkhead or drum edge.
  5. Install the replacement glides.
  6. Reinstall the drum.
  7. Reassemble the panel and test drum rotation.

3. Dryer Blower Wheel

Why It Causes Noise

A cracked, loose, or obstructed blower wheel can create a rattling or clanking noise as it spins.

Common causes include:

  • Cracked blower wheel
  • Loose set screw
  • Debris caught in the wheel

Symptoms include:

  • Rattling noise during operation
  • Clanking sound that comes and goes
  • Noise correlates with drum speed

How to Replace a Dryer Blower Wheel

  1. Disconnect power to the dryer.
  2. Remove the rear or front panel to access the blower housing.
  3. Remove the drum and belt as needed for access.
  4. Remove the set screw securing the blower wheel.
  5. Remove the old blower wheel.
  6. Install the replacement blower wheel.
  7. Secure the set screw.
  8. Reassemble the dryer and test operation.

4. Dryer Motor Bearings

Why It Causes Noise

Worn motor bearings can produce a high-pitched squeal or grinding noise as the motor shaft spins.

Common causes include:

  • Worn bearings
  • Lack of lubrication
  • Age-related wear

Symptoms include:

  • High-pitched squeal during operation
  • Grinding noise that worsens over time
  • Motor runs hot to the touch

How to Replace a Dryer Motor

  1. Disconnect power to the dryer.
  2. Remove the front or rear panel to access the motor.
  3. Remove the drive belt from the motor pulley.
  4. Disconnect the motor wiring.
  5. Remove the mounting bolts securing the motor.
  6. Remove the old motor.
  7. Install the replacement motor.
  8. Reconnect wiring and reinstall the belt.
  9. Reassemble the panel and test operation.

5. Foreign Objects in the Drum or Blower

Why It Causes Noise

Coins, buttons, or small items lodged in the drum or blower housing can create a banging or clanking noise during tumbling.

Common causes include:

  • Items left in pockets
  • Small toys or hardware
  • Loose buttons or fasteners

Symptoms include:

  • Banging or clanking noise during tumbling
  • Noise stops when the drum is stopped
  • Visible items found in the lint trap or drum

How to Remove Foreign Objects from a Dryer

  1. Disconnect power to the dryer.
  2. Empty the drum completely and inspect for loose items.
  3. Check the lint trap housing for lodged objects.
  4. Remove the front or rear panel if the noise persists.
  5. Locate and remove objects from the blower housing.
  6. Reassemble the panel.
  7. Restore power and test operation.

Preventing Dryer Noise Problems

To help prevent your dryer from making unusual noises:

  • Check pockets before drying clothes.
  • Avoid drying items with loose hardware or buttons.
  • Inspect the drum and blower periodically.
  • Address unusual noises early.
  • Keep rollers and glides lubricated as recommended.
  • Schedule periodic maintenance.

Find the Correct Dryer Replacement Part

A noisy dryer is commonly caused by worn drum support rollers, worn glides, a damaged blower wheel, worn motor bearings, or foreign objects in the drum.

Always verify your dryer model number before ordering replacement parts to ensure the correct fit and compatibility.

At Authentic Appliance Parts, we provide quality dryer replacement parts and repair resources to help you diagnose dryer problems and complete repairs with confidence.