6 reasons your dryer is making a squealing sound & how to troubleshoot

Is your dryer making a squealing noise, a grating or grinding sound, or even loud thumping when it’s running? Dryer noises can range from subtle squeaks to disruptive shrieking, bumping, and everything in between. Any unpleasant sound is usually an indication that something inside the machine needs to be repaired.

Let’s walk through the common culprits behind a squealing dryer so you can quickly diagnose and fix it. If you’re hearing other sounds from your dryer, check out this guide to learn more about how to troubleshoot them.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your dryer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Putty knife or flat tool
• Shop vacuum or compressed air

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: Don’t Let Your Noisy Dryer Drive You Crazy! Discover the Top Causes and Easy Fixes Today

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• If you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply to prevent any leaks while you work.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: Dryer Making Noise? How to Fix & Troubleshooting

How to troubleshoot a squealing dryer

Find out why your dryer is making a squealing sound by following these steps.

Step 1: Check the drum bearings

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet to eliminate the risk of electrocution.
2. Grab the drum and try to rock it back and forth to check for excessive play. Listen and feel for any squealing, grinding, gritty, or squeaking sounds from the bearings.

If the drum has excessive movement or the bearings are damaged, the front or rear bearings will need to be replaced. If the drum looks good, continue troubleshooting.

Step 2: Check drum balance and stability

1. Make sure the dryer is level and the drum is balanced within the cabinet.
2. Check that the drum isn’t rubbing against the sides or back of the cabinet.
3. Adjust the leveling legs as needed to center and stabilize the drum.
4. Make sure there isn’t anything interfering with the drum’s rotation.

Step 3: Inspect the drum rollers and glides

1. Manually spin the drum and listen/feel for any squealing, grinding, rubbing, or squeaking noises coming from the rollers.
2. Examine the rollers and glides for cracks, flat spots, or excessive wear. Worn rollers will need to be replaced.
3. Make sure the rollers are properly aligned and spinning without any binding.

If the rollers and glides look good, continue to the next step.

Step 4: Check the drum roller supports

1. Access the drum roller supports that the roller wheels attach to by removing the retaining clips and rollers.
2. Inspect the roller supports for any signs of damage or excessive wear.
3. Make sure the rollers are properly seated on the support and aligned so the drum can spin smoothly.

Replace any damaged or worn support rollers. If the rollers look good, continue troubleshooting.

Step 5: Inspect the drive belt

1. Visually inspect the drive belt for any cracks, fraying, glazing, or uneven wear.
2. Run your fingers along the length of the belt to check for any roughness or stiffness.
3. Make sure the belt is properly routed and tensioned per the manufacturer’s specifications.

If the belt appears worn, it will need to be replaced to prevent slipping and squealing. If the belt is good, continue to the next step.

Step 6: Check the motor and blower wheel

1. Visually inspect the motor and blower wheel for any signs of damage or excessive wear.
2. Manually spin the blower wheel and listen/feel for any rubbing or binding noises.
3. Clean any lint or debris in the blower wheel and around the motor with a vacuum or compressed air for small areas.

Read more: How to Replace a Clothes Dryer Bearing Slide

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your dryer running smoothly again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!