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Why is my dryer making noise? Causes and fixes

By: Reliable Parts • July 2026

A dryer that makes noise while running is most often caused by worn drum support rollers, a failing idler pulley, or worn drum glides. Rhythmic thumping points to flat-spotted rollers, a high-pitched squeal points to the idler pulley or a roller bearing, and scraping points to worn glides or an object in the drum seam. Identify your dryer’s model number to order the correct replacement parts.

Need step-by-step instructions for your specific brand and model? Visit our DIY Repair Guide and filter by appliance and brand.

Safety information

Unplug the dryer at the outlet before opening the cabinet - the breaker alone is not sufficient. For gas dryers, do not disconnect or move the gas line; if the repair requires moving the dryer beyond the flex line’s reach, shut off the gas valve first. If you ever smell gas, stop work, leave the area, and contact your gas utility.

Most common causes

  1. Worn drum support rollers — flat spots on the rollers produce a rhythmic thumping that speeds up with the drum.
  2. Failing idler pulley — the spring-loaded pulley that tensions the belt squeals or squeaks as its bearing dries out.
  3. Worn drum glides or slides — the felt-and-plastic pads the drum front rides on wear through and let metal scrape metal.
  4. Foreign object — coins or screws trapped in the drum baffle or lint housing rattle and clank as the drum turns.
  5. Worn drum belt — a frayed or hardened belt thumps once per revolution as the damaged section crosses the pulleys.
  6. Failing blower wheel — a loose or debris-fouled blower wheel rattles or roars, loudest at the lint filter housing.

Step-by-step diagnosis

  1. Empty the drum and check for loose objects. Run the dryer empty; if the noise disappears, the culprit was a zipper, buckle, or object in the load. Check the drum baffles and lint housing for trapped coins and screws.
  2. Match the sound to the component. Thumping points to rollers or the belt, squealing to the idler pulley, scraping to glides or the felt seal, and rattling to the blower wheel or debris.
  3. Unplug the dryer, open the cabinet, and inspect the drum support rollers. Spin each by hand - rollers should turn smoothly and show no flat spots or wobble. Replace rollers as a set, not individually.
  4. Check the idler pulley. With the belt off, spin the pulley - grinding, roughness, or wobble means its bearing has failed. Replace the pulley rather than lubricating it; lubricant is a short-lived fix that attracts lint.
  5. Inspect the drum glides and felt seal at the front of the drum. Worn-through glides expose bare metal and score the drum. Replace the glides and check the drum flange for burrs.
  6. Inspect the belt for fraying, cracks, or a hardened, glazed surface. A damaged belt thumps once per drum revolution and should be replaced while the cabinet is open.
  7. Check the blower wheel behind the lint filter housing. Clear lint and debris, and confirm the wheel is tight on the motor shaft - a loose wheel rattles and drastically cuts airflow.

Replacement parts to consider

Common parts for a noisy dryer: drum support roller kit, idler pulley, drum glide kit, drum belt, blower wheel, drum felt seal. Enter your dryer’s model number on reliableparts.com for the exact parts for your specific model.

Related FAQs

Why does my dryer thump when it turns?

A rhythmic thumping that keeps pace with the drum almost always means flat-spotted drum support rollers or a damaged belt. Rollers develop flat spots when the drum sits loaded for long periods; replace all rollers as a set while the cabinet is open.

Why does my dryer squeal when running?

A high-pitched squeal usually comes from the idler pulley bearing or a dry drum roller shaft. The idler pulley is the most common source - it tensions the belt and its small bearing wears out first. Replace the pulley; don’t just lubricate it.

Is it safe to run a noisy dryer?

Briefly, yes - but worn rollers, glides, and pulleys get worse and can let the belt slip or the drum scrape, and a seized pulley can burn the belt. Diagnose promptly. Any burning smell means stop immediately and unplug the dryer before inspecting.

How much does it cost to fix a noisy dryer?

Maintenance kits that bundle rollers, idler pulley, and belt typically cost $20-50 and cover the three most common noise sources in one repair. Professional service for the same job generally runs $150-250. Drum glide kits add $10-30 when needed.

Why does my dryer rattle near the lint filter?

Rattling or roaring concentrated at the lint filter housing points to the blower wheel - either debris caught in the blades or a wheel that has loosened on the motor shaft. Remove the housing, clear the lint, and confirm the wheel is secure.