Dryer Squeaking, Thumping or Rattling? What Those Noises Mean

A dryer always makes some noise. A steady hum and the soft tumble of clothes is normal. When that changes to a squeal, a rhythmic thump or a metal rattle, the dryer is telling you a part is wearing out.

The type of noise usually points to the cause. Here is how our technicians in Kitchener and Guelph read the sounds.

Before checking anything, unplug the dryer. For a gas dryer, also turn off the gas shutoff valve behind the machine. If you ever smell gas or something burning, stop using the dryer right away and call for service. For a gas smell, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.

1. Rattling: Something Loose in the Drum

Start with the easy one. Coins, buttons, keys, pens and zippers are the usual suspects. Check the drum and lint screen, and feel along the drum lifters (the ridges inside the drum), since small items can get caught behind them.

Also check your pockets next time. It saves more dryers than you might think.

2. Rattling or Vibrating: The Dryer Is Not Level

If the dryer rattles or walks across the floor, set a level on top of it. Adjust the feet at the front until it sits flat and steady. A dryer on an uneven basement floor will shake more with every load.

Loose panels and a vent duct touching the wall can also rattle. Check that the duct behind the dryer is not pressed against anything.

3. Squeaking or Squealing: A Worn Idler Pulley or Rollers

A high squeal that starts when the drum turns usually comes from the idler pulley, which keeps tension on the drive belt. Drum support rollers can also squeak as their bearings wear. These are common wear parts on any dryer that sees daily use.

Oiling is not the fix here. The worn parts need to be replaced, and that means taking the dryer apart, so this is a job for a technician.

4. Thumping: Worn Rollers or a Damaged Belt

A steady thump with every turn of the drum often means the support rollers have worn flat spots. A belt that is frayed or has a damaged section can cause a similar sound.

Rule out the simple cause first. Sneakers, heavy blankets and bunched up sheets will thump, and that is normal. If the dryer thumps when it is empty, the sound is mechanical.

5. Scraping or Grinding: Drum Glides or Seals

A scraping sound can mean the drum glides or felt seals have worn through, so the drum is rubbing metal on metal. Grinding can point to a failing drum bearing or motor. Stop using the dryer if you hear grinding. Running it can damage the drum or motor further.

6. Humming but the Drum Will Not Turn

If you hear a hum but nothing moves, the belt may have broken or the motor may not be starting. Turn the dryer off right away. A motor that hums without turning can overheat. This one needs a technician.

Do Not Forget the Lint and Vent

A noisy dryer is often a hard working dryer. Clean the lint screen after every load, and have the vent line cleaned out regularly. A clogged vent makes the dryer run longer and hotter, which wears parts faster, adds to your hydro bill, and raises the risk of a lint fire.

Book a Dryer Repair

Most dryer noises come from parts that are worn but replaceable, and catching them early usually means a simpler repair. Al's Appliance offers in-home dryer repair across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph for gas and electric models.

Give us a call at 519-824-8828 or visit alsappliance.ca. Tell us what the noise sounds like and when it happens, and our technician will come prepared.