Electric Dryer Making Loud Noises: Top 6 Reasons & Fixes (With Video!)

Is your peaceful laundry day suddenly getting disrupted by a noisy dryer? Leaving that racket unchecked can spell trouble, but fear not! We’ve got a step-by-step troubleshooting guide and an expert how-to video right here to help you silence the noise and keep your dryer running smoothly.

Need a replacement part for your dryer? Search below using your specific dryer model number to identify the exact part needed:

When your dryer makes a racket in the laundry room, don’t just close the door and ignore the issue. It’s important to take the time to inspect your electric dryer in case there’s an underlying problem with the machine.  Luckily, you can easily diagnose your dryer machine noise on your own within an hour or so. To help you identify the source of your dryer noise, our experts at AppliancePartsPros.com have created this guide to identifying why your dryer is making noise and what part you’ll need to replace to complete a full repair.

Why it’s important to fix dryer noise

While noise coming from your dryer may seem harmless, it could be the sign of a larger problem. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are approximately 2,900 home clothes dryer fires reported each year, which cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss. For this reason, it’s important to identify why your dryer is making noise and ensure that there’s no risk of fire. By checking these top six reasons behind dryer noise below, you’ll be able to troubleshoot the issue and check for any hazards. In addition, you should perform annual maintenance on your dryer to keep it in good working order.

How to buy the correct dryer parts

As you repair your dryer, you may need to buy a replacement part. To get the right one for your model, you can simply go to AppliancePartsPros.com search bar:

• Type in your model number into the search bar above
• Find your part on the easy-to-read diagram.
• Match it to the numbered parts listed below.
• Click on the item for photos and a repair video.
• Click “Add to Cart,” purchase the item and receive it within 1-2 business days!

Alternatively, you can also go straight to our dryer parts section and browse items as needed. Simply use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down your options.

What you’ll need to identify the issue & fix your dyer

Time: 1 hour or less

Parts

• You may need a replacement part, such as drum rollers and axles, front drum glides, an idler pulley, a blower wheel, a drive belt or a drive motor. You can find all these items on Appliance Parts Pros.com.

Tools

• You may require a screwdriver to open the panels of your dryer. Check your operator’s manual to find out the exact size of the screws.
• Work gloves

How to identify the reason behind your dryer making noise

Warning: Unplug your dryer before getting started

Be sure to stay safe as you diagnose and work on your dryer machine. Before getting started, unplug your dryer and/or turn off the circuit breakers so that there’s no risk of electrocution. 

Want to follow a video guide to dryer noise? Check out our diagnosis video for dryers making noise from our experts at AppliancePartsPros.com.

1. Drum rollers and axles

The drum rollers and axles support the dryer drum as it turns. Basically, the rollers have bearings that then ride on the axles, allowing them to spin.

If it’s broken, you’ll hear:

• A squeaking noise. This is due to the bearings starting to fail.

• A sound like a pair of tennis shoes tumbling inside the dryer. This noise will occur if you ignore the squeaking and the bearings fail completely.

Where to find it:

• This will depend on the style of your dryer. Some machines have two rollers in the back and two in the front. Others have only two rollers in the back.

You should check:

• The rollers to make sure that they spin freely on the axles.
• The bearings of the axles to ensure they’re not scratched or damaged.

Solution:

• If the bearings have failed and you caught it soon enough, the axles may still be ok. In this case, you can simply buy new rollers and replace the old ones.
• Otherwise you’ll need to replace both the rollers and axles. Remember that it’s best to replace rollers as a set.

2. Front drum glides

The front drum glides are mounted on the dryer drum and help it turn smoothly without causing friction. While the glides may come in different styles (as shown above), they all serve the same function.

If it’s broken, you’ll hear:

• A grinding noise from the front of the dryer. Once the glides have worn down, the drum may come into direct contact with the support (either the front panel or the bulkhead), causing a grinding noise.

Where to find it:

• Depending on your machine, the front drum glides may be located in different places. They’re usually located on the front panel, on the bulkhead, or on the drum itself.

You should check:

• The front drum glides for damage and/or wear-and-tear.

Solution:

• If the front drum glides are worn out or damaged, you’ll need to buy new ones and replace the old.

3. Idler pulley

The idler pulley puts tension on the belt so that the dryer drum turns properly. Depending on your machine, these parts may come separately (as shown above) or be mounted as a complete assembly.

If it’s broken, you’ll hear:

• A squeaking noise. This is because the bearing on the wheel has failed.

Where to find it:

• You’ll have to take the motor apart to find the idler pulley. It’s located within the machine, down by the motor pulley. The belt is routed around it and the pulley.

You should check:

• The idler pulley and axles for any damage.

Solution:

• If it’s damaged, buy a new idler pulley and replace the old one.

4. Blower wheel

The blower wheel circulates warm air through the dryer and out the exhaust. Typically, the wheel is made of plastic. Depending on your motor shaft, it either mounts with threads or a D-shape.

If it’s broken, you’ll hear:

• A noise coming from the blower housing.

Where to find it:

• Depending on the dryer’s design, the blower wheel is located either behind the front panel or behind the rear panel inside the blower housing.

You should check:

• The blower wheel to make sure it isn’t clogged with lint or clothing.
• The blades for damage, as they can start to hit the blower housing and cause noise.
• The blower to check that it’s spinning as usual. Turn the blower wheel and check that the motor and drum also turn. If it doesn’t turn, you’ll have to replace the blower wheel.

Solution:

• If your blower wheel is damaged or not turning the motor or drum, you’ll have to buy a new one and replace it.

Pro tip: 30% of dryer fires are caused by a build-up of lint. To prevent the risk of fire, you should clean out lint and dust from inside the dryer and vent. Check that your lint screen isn’t damaged, or lint will blow into the vent hose and could ignite. In addition, you should clean out the screen after every load to reduce the risk of fire. Don’t forget about your ducting, either. If you currently have flexible-style ducting, we recommend upgrading to the rigid metal kind in order to prevent lint build-up and stop the duct from becoming crushed. Whenever you install new venting, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

5. Drive belt

The drive belt links the drum to the motor pulley in order to turn it. It looks like a long, multiple-grouped belt and runs along the drum and the pulley.

If it’s broken, you’ll hear:

• A thumping noise. Typically the drive belt just snaps. However, if it’s starting to deteriorate and pieces are falling off of it, it will make this type of noise as it goes through the pulleys.

Where to find it:

• You’ll have to take the dryer apart to find the drive belt. You’ll find it running around the dryer drum.

You should check:

• The drive belt around the dryer drum for any damage.

Solution:

• If the drive belt is damaged, you’ll need to buy a new one and replace it.

6. Drive motor

Finally, the driver motor runs the dryer drum and blower wheel. This part is essential for the good working order of your dryer.

If it’s broken, you’ll hear:

• A squealing noise. Within the motor, you’ll find a couple of bearings. If they fail, you’ll hear this noise when the motor is running.

Where to find it:

• You’ll have to take apart the dryer to find the motor.

You should check:

• The motor to see if it’s properly turning. If it’s working properly, it should spin freely.

Solution:

• If there is any unusual friction or noise when you turn the motor, you’ll have to buy a new one and replace it.

Maintain your dryer with Appliance Parts Pros.com

Good job – you’ve identified the issue behind your dryer making noise! Now that you’ve figured out the underlying cause, you can buy the part you need on AppliancePartsPros.com and replace the old one. Don’t forget that it’s essential to maintain your dryer to prevent hazards such as fires. The #1 cause of dryer fires is failing to clean it. On a yearly basis, be sure to clean the inside of the dryer, including the lint screen, the blower housing, the ducting from the back of the dryer to the wall, and the ducting from the wall to the outside of your home. In case you require any dryer parts along the way, check out AppliancePartsPros.com for everything you could possibly need!

Dryer noise FAQs

Does noise mean my dryer is broken?

Noise is rarely the sign that your dryer is completely broken. Most likely, a machine part has worn out and needs to be replaced. You can follow our guide above to diagnose the noise and discover how best to fix the issue.

How can I be sure to buy the correct dryer part?

Your machine’s model number is key information to buy the correct dryer part. Look up the model number in your operator’s manual and simply type it into AppliancePartsPros.com. From here you’ll be able to search for the parts you need on the diagrams or lists, ensuring that the part is compatible with your machine.

How can I reduce the risk of a dryer fire?

You can reduce the risk of a dryer fire by keeping your dryer well-maintained. You should also clean out the lint screen after every load and do an annual lint sweep of the inside of your dryer. In addition, you should never ignore the noises that your dryer makes. It’s possible that a part is damaged, broken or simply needs to be cleaned. For example, it’s common for the blower wheel to become clogged with lint and clothing, which can ignite if left ignored.

Where to find us

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, US-based customer support team!