Dryer making loud noise
What each sound means
| Sound | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| High squeak or chirp, worst at the start | Idler pulley |
| Rhythmic thump, once per drum turn | Flat spot on a drum roller, or a belt with a lump |
| Low rumble that gets louder over weeks | Drum rollers or their shafts |
| Metal scraping from the front | Worn front glides or felt seal, drum rubbing the bulkhead |
| Grinding or squeal from the back | Rear drum bearing |
| Rattle or buzz from the lower front | Blower wheel loose on the motor shaft, or a coin in the blower housing |
| Clicking with each turn | Coin, button or bra wire caught in a drum seam |
Do not wait too long
These parts wear slowly, so the noise builds over months and is easy to live with. The risk is what comes next. A seized roller wears a groove in the drum. Worn glides let the drum cut into the front panel. A stiff idler snaps the belt. A repair that needed rollers can end up needing a drum.
How we repair it
We take the drum out and inspect everything it rides on: rollers, shafts, idler, belt, glides, seals and the rear bearing. These parts wear together, so we replace the worn ones in one visit. With the drum out we also clean the lint from the cabinet and around the motor and heater.
Stacked units in apartments
Many Sherman Oaks apartments and condos have a stacked washer and dryer in a hallway closet. Drum noise carries through the floor and walls to the neighbors. Taking a stacked dryer down in a tight closet needs care with the gas or power connection and the vent. We do this regularly.