Why Your Dryer Is Making Strange Sounds and What to Do About It
You have just loaded your laundry into the dryer and it starts to creak. Or it sounds like you have a brick rolling around, clanging and clattering. No matter how noisy your tumble dryer is, don’t panic: there are some problems that you can fix yourself without repairing or replacing the device.
Before you start repairing your dryer
Before proceeding with the inspection or repair, you must unplug the dryer: as soon as you start taking things apart, there may be exposed wires or electrical components that can hit you. Also, it can be dangerous if your tumble dryer starts cycling when you open it. If your dryer runs on gas or you can’t turn it off because it’s connected directly to your home, you’ll need the help of a professional.
What causes dryer noise?
Tumble dryers will start to squeak if the drum rollers, axles, or idler roller are worn. The reason for the squeak is that one part of the dryer is rubbing against another part, causing friction. Performing a visual inspection to see if anything is out of place is the first step in troubleshooting.
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To check for this problem, open the unplugged tumble dryer and look at the back wall. If there is a gap between the drum and the back wall, this probably means that one or more of the rollers has worn out. If the drum is difficult to turn, the ball bearings in the rollers may be broken. You will need to remove the drum to fix this problem if you want to fix it yourself.
Check axles
If the drum rotates unevenly when manually rotated, causing it to wobble, one or more of the roller axles may be out of place. If the axles are bent, the rollers will not be in constant contact with the drum. The drum may also make a dull or clanging sound when it is twisted.
Check drive belt
To get rid of bumps or bumps that are not caused by the axles, you should check the rubber drive belt that runs over the idler pulley and around the dryer drum. You can usually open the top panel of the dryer to get access to visually inspect the belt. If it’s cracked or shows signs of wear, or if it’s broken and no longer attached to the drum, that’s your problem.
Check the tension roller
The idler pulley can also cause a squeak. This is a pulley that tensions a rubber drive belt that rotates the drum. If the belt slips, it will create friction and make noise, but it will also prevent your clothes from tumbling during the drying cycle, which can increase the drying time of your clothes. You need to remove the drum to see the idler pulley, but if the drive belt (see above) isn’t tight, that’s a good sign that something is wrong with the idler pulley.
Check Print
Many dryers also have a felt seal attached to the front and back edges of the drum. If it is worn, creating a space between the drum and the front and back of the dryer, or if it is torn or dropped, it may cause bumps, bumps, or rattling. If you see any lumpy felt material around the leading or trailing edge of the drum, this indicates a sealing problem. Also, if you can’t see the seal and the metal edge of the drum is visible, that’s another sign that the seal needs to be replaced.
How to find dryer spare parts
You will be able to order replacement parts online using your dryer model number, or pick them up yourself if you have a local store that stocks replacement parts. If you decide to go to a hardware store, it would be helpful to bring a photo and/or broken part. It is recommended to replace all rollers and axles at once, even if only one is the problem, to make sure they wear evenly and do not cause problems in the future. And if you’re not comfortable doing repairs yourself, at least you’ll have an idea of what’s wrong when you call a repairman to fix it.