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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.