Dryer Makes Noise When Tumbling? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Heather Robbins
by Heather Robbins

Noises coming from your dryer, especially when it’s tumble drying, is usually an indicator that there is a part in your dryer that needs to be replaced. However, if you don’t know what you’re looking for then this can be an issue when you are trying to diagnose the problem.

A dryer can make noise during tumbling when drum bearing, drum roller, idler assembly, or drive belt are damaged. Inspect the idler assembly for damage and replace it if is worn or blown. Damaged drive belts also affect the tumbling motion and you need to replace it before it breaks entirely.

This article will walk you through each possibility as to why your tumble dryer is making noises while in action. In addition, we’ll explain which parts you need to replace, and what it means if your dryer stops working altogether.

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Drive Belt

The drive belt consists of a long and slender belt, which wraps around the drum, a tension pulley, and around the drive motor as well. As time goes on, the drive belt can fray or become damaged.

If you find that your drive belt is frayed or has damage to it, then that will most likely be the cause of the noise coming from a tumble dryer. Check the drive belt for signs of wear and tear. If it is worn out, replace the belt to fix the issue.

Make sure when you replace the belt that it’s tight and in place so that it helps the system to function correctly. If the drive belt is not correctly placed then this will cause the dryer drum to malfunction.

Drum Roller

If your dryer makes noise when tumbling, another issue could be that one or more of your drum rollers are worn out. You have two drum rollers that support the rear of the drum and two that support the front. If the rollers are worn out then, they can make your dryer rumble loudly while running.

To check if you need new rollers, you will need to inspect them. If one or more of them are worn out, you will need to replace those specific rollers. However, you can replace all of them together as a preventative measure, so you have all the new working parts.

Drum Roller Axle

As stated, you have two support rollers that hold the rear of the drum and two that are at the front of the drum. These rollers and axles will wear out over time, which will cause the dryer to rumble loudly when it is running.

When you check the support rollers, you need to check the drum roller axles as well. Remove the belt from your dryer and try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum doesn’t want to rotate easily, then you need to check your support rollers. If the rollers spin without wobbling, then your axles do not need a replacement.

However, if your rollers do wobble, then you will need to replace the axles. If the axles need replacing, then it’s a good idea to replace the support rollers at this time as well as a preventative measure.

Blower Wheel

The job of your blower wheel is to draw air through your dryer and push air out of your vent. Lint, socks, and clothing can break away from the lint filter and get caught in your blower wheel. This can cause your dryer to make a weird noise. Not to mention, the sleeve of the blower wheel may wear out, which will then make your blower wheel wobble.

To check the blower wheel, remove your dryer vent and check the strength of airflow. If it is weak, then you will need to check obstructions in the blower wheel. However, if you don’t see any obstructions, then you should try rotating it. A wobbly blower wheel is an indicator that it needs to be replaced.

Drum Bearing

Your drum bearing is meant to support the rear of the drum. The drum bearing will eventually wear out over time. If it’s worn out, then this too can cause your dryer to make noise.

You will need to check to see if the drum bearing is the issue behind the noise. To do this, remove your dryer belt and try to turn the drum with your hand. If it rotates with no problem, then this means your drum bearing is not worn out.

However, if this causes it to make a grinding or squealing noise, then this means you will need to replace the drum bearing.

Maintenance Kit

Sometimes, your dryer can make a noise, and it will have no problems apparent that would be causing this. You could check all the parts to find that they all seem to be working great! So at this point, what could be the issue?

You could try and purchase a dryer maintenance kit. This kit has all of the common parts that are defective when you have a noisy dryer. To get a kit, you will have to search the model number of your dryer.

Drum Slide, Glide, Or Pad

Your drum glides, also called drum slides, could be worn out, which is why your dryer is making a noise. The glides are made of small plastic pieces meant to support the front of your dryer drum. When your drum rotates, it slides on top of these little plastic pieces.

Over time you will notice that the drum glides will wear out. If these pieces are worn out, then your dryer will make a weird sort of crackling noise. Or it will sound like loose change is circulating in the dryer drum.

To check if the drum slides are the issue, you will need to inspect them. If you find that one or more are worn out, you’ll need to purchase a whole set to replace them.

Idler Assembly

Check your idler assembly for wear and tear when you’ve noticed your dryer is making weird noises and acting funny. Issues with the idler assembly will typically cause your dryer to shake, making a rumbling or pounding sound as it tumbles dries.

If you find that you need to replace the idler assembly, it’s good to replace the drive belt during this time.

Idler Pulley

Check your idler pulley for signs of damage. If you find that this is also worn out and damaged, you will need to replace it. It’s a good idea to replace the drive belt as well when you replace the idler pulley. All of these components work together, so it will help to keep your dryer functioning at an optimal level.

Drive Motor

If your dryer is making a funky noise or pounding while running, this can mean that your drive motor bearings are worn out. However, this usually doesn’t happen. It would help if you first searched through all of the commonly defective parts before checking your drive motor.

Now, if you determined that all of the other parts are working perfectly, then it’s safe to say you should try and replace your drive motor. If replacing the motor doesn’t help, it’s time to buy a new dryer.

What If The Drum Stops Turning?

If an issue has gone too long without repair, then it can cause lead to your drum not turning anymore during the tumble dry setting. In this case, you will most likely need to replace the drive belt. When the drive belt snaps, this will make it impossible for the drum to turn when your dryer is running.


Related Questions

Why does my dryer make a loud vibrating noise?
If you hear a loud vibrating noise this is usually your blower wheel. This can become clogged with some lint or pieces of clothing over time. You can remove the cover to locate the blower wheel and remove anything that’s stuck inside of it.
What does a bad dryer bearing sound like?
If your dryer has a bad bearing this usually means that it will squeal. This noise comes from the motor which is fixed to the bottom of the dryer near the back. The bearing will also make it squeak as the drum turns.
How do you lubricate dryer motor bearings?
Put about two to three drops of oil onto the front and the back of each roller bearing. Afterward, lift the drum and place it on the rubber-rimmed rollers. Hold your drum with your knee and lift the spring above the motor and put it on the belt in its rightful. location.

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Wrapping It Up

There are several issues that can cause your dryer to make a noise when it’s tumbling. Because of this, the process to diagnose the problem is checking each component and inspecting it. There is no need to hire a professional for this phase of the process.
All you have to do is check each of these issues. Upon finding a problem you should take the time to replace the part so that it stops making the noise. Moreover, fixing the problem will keep it from becoming a more serious one, so that you won’t need to call a professional
Heather Robbins
Heather Robbins

Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.

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