Dryer making loud noise
A dryer making loud noise is telling you something specific, and the type of sound narrows it down fast. Rattling is often coins or a loose vent, thumping points to worn drum rollers or a bulky load, squealing usually means a worn idler pulley, and grinding can be a worn drum glide or something stuck. Start with the free checks. Replacing rollers, belts and pulleys is a reasonable intermediate job, but always with the power off. The kind of noise tells you which part is wearing out, so listen before you take anything apart.
What makes a dryer noisy
The dryer drum sits on rollers or glides and is turned by a long belt wrapped around it. The belt runs from the motor pulley, and a spring-loaded idler pulley keeps it tight. Felt seals at the front and back of the drum keep the drum from rubbing metal on metal.
All of these parts wear out with use. Rollers get flat spots, the idler pulley's bearing dries out, and seals wear thin. Small objects like coins, bra underwires and buttons can also slip past the drum edge and rattle or scrape around inside.
Common causes of dryer noise
Coins or underwires rattling or scraping.
Flat spots cause a steady thump.
A squeal as the drum turns.
Grinding or scraping at the drum edge.
| You notice | Likely cause | Start at |
|---|---|---|
| Noise only with shoes or bulky items | Load, not a fault | Step 1 |
| Not sure what kind of noise | Needs identifying | Step 2 |
| Rattling or scraping | Coin or underwire in the drum gap | Step 3 |
| Vibrating or rattling behind | Unlevel dryer or loose vent | Step 4 |
| Thumping, squealing or grinding | Worn rollers, idler pulley or glides | Step 5 |
Let's fix it
- Unplug it and empty the drumUnplug the dryer, and on a gas dryer also turn off the gas valve behind it. Take everything out and run your hand around the drum. A lot of loud noises are just loose items like coins, keys or lighters. A thumping sound that only happens with sneakers or a heavy blanket isn't a fault.
- Match the soundPlug it back in (and turn the gas back on for a gas dryer), run it empty on an air-only or low setting for a minute and listen, then unplug it again. Rattling or ticking usually means a loose object or vent. Thumping that keeps rhythm with the drum points to drum rollers with flat spots. A high squeal often means the idler pulley or rollers, and grinding or scraping usually points to worn drum glides or felt seals, or an object caught in the drum.
- Check the drum edge and lint trapWith the dryer unplugged, pull out the lint screen and shine a light into the slot. Use a long brush or a vacuum crevice tool to get out anything stuck there. Look around the front lip of the drum for a coin or underwire wedged in the gap, and pull it out with pliers. Small items caught here can scrape the drum or rattle on every turn.
- Level it and check the ventPut a level on top of the dryer and adjust the feet until it sits level side to side and front to back, with all four feet firmly on the floor. A rocking dryer thumps and vibrates. Then check the vent hose and duct behind it; a loose clamp or a duct touching the wall can rattle as air moves through.
- Replace worn parts or call a techIf the noise continues, the drum rollers, idler pulley, belt or drum glides likely need replacing. It's an intermediate repair: unplug the dryer, shut off the gas, and use your model's parts diagram, since cabinets open differently, and replace rollers in sets along with a cracked belt. A loud hum, a burning smell, or a grinding from the motor itself is a job for a technician.
Watch it done
- The dryer runs quietly with an empty drum
- No thumping or squealing with a normal load
- The drum turns smoothly by hand
Still loud after new rollers and belt? Call a technician to check the motor.
If it's still loud
If the noise is a loud squeal that started suddenly and the drum turns slowly or stops, the belt may be slipping or about to break. Stop using the dryer until it's fixed.
If the dryer is also not heating or won't start, see those guides. A worn part can show up as noise first and a failure later.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): An appliance repair visit usually runs $100–$200. Replacing drum rollers, an idler pulley or a belt typically costs $150–$350 total, and a drive motor replacement runs about $250–$500.
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Dryer noise questions
Why is my dryer so loud all of a sudden?
Often a loose object in the drum, or a worn idler pulley, drum roller or belt.
What does a thumping dryer mean?
Usually flat spots on the drum rollers, or a heavy item like shoes in the load.
Why is my dryer squealing?
A worn idler pulley or drum roller is the most common cause.
Is it safe to use a noisy dryer?
Stop using it if it smells like burning, squeals loudly or the drum slows. Otherwise, fix it soon.
Why is my dryer making a grinding noise?
Grinding can be a worn drum glide or something stuck. Unplug it, empty the drum and check the drum edge and lint slot for objects.