Customer Questions and Answers for Dryer Front Bearing Ring by Whirlpool

Huck, it is possible that a screw or other piece of metal stuck into the felt bearing 279264 and cut a groove into the front bearing ring WP3394508 to cause the metal-on-metal sound. The thumping would also suggest an item stuck in the felt as it will cause this noise once the seam of the bearing ring hits debris. Inspecting both parts, removing debris, and replacing as necessary would be recommended.