Is your dryer squeaking loudly? Does it only make the noise when it starts, after it warms up, or continuously? Most parts are cheaper than a new dryer, and not too difficult to replace. In this article, we explore what may cause a dryer to squeak, whether you can use a squeaking dryer, and how to repair it.
For information on quieting some other appliances, please see our articles How to Quiet a Noisy Refrigerator Compressor , and How to Soundproof a Dishwasher.
The dryer has a metal or plastic drum that rotates, causing the wet clothes to tumble. Whether the dryer is belt-driven or direct-drive, the parts that turn the drum may cause the dryer to squeak.
However, the different components that support the drum and allow it to rotate freely could also be responsible for the noise. Here are the parts to check if your dryer is making a squealing noise or loudly squeaking, why they might be noisy, and a possible solution. Worn drum glides may squeal, clang, or grind, depending on the type used. The glides provide support at the open front end of the drum and allow it to turn smoothly against the front cabinet.
There are different styles of glides: strips of adhesive felt with plastic or nylon pads, metal brackets with a felt and nylon pads, or detachable plastic cowlings. A sure sign that the glides may need to be replaced is brown flecks or spots from dried out and deteriorating felt.
The rear of the drum is supported by and rotates on the rear support shaft and drum bearing. Different manufacturers use a variety of components: plastic, nylon, metal, ball bearings, spindle and sleeve, ball and socket, bushings, or a combination. The bearing is located at the center rear of the drum, and one part attaches to the back of the drum and the other to the support frame at the rear of the cabinet. Worn drum bearings may squeal, grind, or screech.
The dryer motor has sealed ball or roller bearings that allow it to operate with minimal friction. Most dryer motors have a shaft with a pulley that drives a belt that turns the drum.
However, some are direct-drive motors, meaning it spins the drum without the benefit of a drive belt. Regardless of the type, if the bearings dry out or become worn, they will squeak or squeal. A sure sign it is the motor is if it shuts off for a period to cool down, and then cycles on. The blower fan is a plastic, nylon, or metal vaned wheel or impeller that draws air into the dryer where it is heated.
The fan forces the heated air through the drum and out the vent. The dryer motor shaft drives the blower. The blower may collect lint or debris over time, causing wear or damage to the fan and making a thumping or squealing noise. The drive belt is a long, narrow flat rubber loop. It goes around the exterior of the drum cylinder and the motor pulley.
When you turn the dryer on, the motor spins the pulley, which rotates the belt, and turns the tub. A worn belt may make a thumping or whooshing sound as frayed sections of the belt hit or feather the drum. If the belt is slipping at the pulley, it will also squeak. Although a dryer is supported at the back with the drum bearing and the front with drum glides, the main weight is often cradled by four drum support rollers.
When the dryer wiggles, the door can wiggle metal-on-metal against the dryer housing. Normally, there are pieces of felt in the door pocket to prevent the door from rubbing of squeaking as the dryer runs. But over time, these pieces of felt wear out and can be rubbed completely flat.
So what if you hear the squeaking from the top of your dryer, just under the top panel? In that case, the problem is very likely to be the dryer belt. This is a belt that wraps around the drum and causes it to turn.
Over time, the dryer belt wears out and becomes slack with age. This can cause it to loosen and slip, which is what results in that squeaking sound. Remove the lint filter and mounting screws in the lint housing.
Then press the tabs under the lip and lift the top panel. From there, remove two mounting screws and remove the front panel. You should now have full access to the dryer drum and belt. Remove the old worn belt by unhooking it from the mechanism and setting it aside. You may see visible wear and damage in the old belt.
Then wrap the new belt around your dryer drum and thread it through the mechanism. Be sure to re-secure everything as you found it before you close the front and top panels again. If you hear the squeak near the back of the dryer, this most likely means the drum bearings are at fault. The drum bearings are greased wheels around the edge of the dryer drum that helps it spin smoothly.
If the drum bearings are squeaking, this means that they are low on lubrication and will need to be re-oiled or possibly even replaced if one is broken inside your dryer. From there, pull the entire dryer drum out of the housing and take a close look at the wheels around the edge of the housing. Give them a spin with your hand. If they squeak, oil them with 3in1 lubrication and reassemble your dryer. If you hear the squeak coming from near the floor, the problem is either the idler pulley or the motor.
The idler pulley is an automatic tensioning device that holds the dryer belt taut. Significant movement vertically indicates that the drum support rollers, rear drum bearing or front gliders or felt are worn out and need replacing. Raise the top of the dryer. Release the clips holding it in place by slipping the putty knife between the front panel and the top of the dryer and pushing the two clips toward the rear of the dryer until they release.
Lean the top back against the wall or some other support. Lift the front panel up off of the bottom supports and pull it forward until free of the drum. Lean the front panel against the side of the dryer, being careful to not damage the wires attached to the door switch. Inspect the felt seal or sliders, whichever your dryer uses. To replace them, peel the old one off, scrape the surface clean with the putty knife.
Allow four hours for the adhesive to dry. Unhook the drive belt from around the drive motor pulley and slip it out from under the idler pulley.
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