A screeching noise from a dryer is an annoying sound. But it also means the dryer is unsafe, as loud dryers will develop faults that can start fires.
Your dryer’s noise may indicate old age, with the unit requiring a replacement. In some cases, the noise can mean faulty components.
The first step to troubleshooting and fixing a noisy dryer is tracing the noise source. This guide will explain some DIY actions to fix a screeching dryer.
How to Fix Noisy Dryer
The moving parts of a dryer usually cause a loud squeaking dryer. Most times, the common parts that cause the sound are:
- Idler pulley
- The wheels
- Drum bearing and glides
- The blower fan
- Dryer belt
- Dryer motor
- The legs
The components mentioned above are in different compartments of the dryer. Instead of opening all parts of your dryer, it’s better to trace the sound and make an accurate guess. There are three main places that a screeching dryer sound comes from, including;
The Top
A dryer making noise around the top of the unit indicates a problem with the dryer belt. Dryer belt damage is one of the most common dryer repair issues. The high temperatures within the dryer will affect the belt over time.
Here’s how to fix it;
- Turn off the dryer for safety reasons.
- Take out the lint screen and open the top part of the device. You will need either the screwdriver or putty knife to open the top.
- Disconnect the dryer switch from the top of the unit by unclipping it. This will ensure that you don’t tamper with the wiring during troubleshooting.
- Locate the belt and inspect it. The belt strap is usually on the dryer’s drum, which looks like a metallic cylinder. The drum should look solid and sharp; if there’s any sign of a tear, you need to replace it.
- Gently trace the belt from the drum’s body to its source and remove it. You may need a flashlight to see clearly. Study and understand the belt’s connection before detaching it, and take a picture if possible.
- Take the old belt to an appliance parts shop and purchase the exact belt type.
- Replace the new belt precisely as it was before. It must go around the motor and idler pulley.
The Bottom
If your dryer’s screeching noise is coming from the lower parts, three things can be going on;
- The legs of the dryer may be faulty.
- The idler pulley is bad.
- The motor may be faulty.
According to Whirlpool, the positioning and legs of the dryer may contribute to its noise. So if you have a Whirlpool dryer screeching, check the positioning of its legs. Here are the steps to follow:
- Get a level and check the balance of the dryer from the top. Check the balance at the top and review from the sides.
- If you notice any unevenness, you should adjust accordingly.
- Use a wrench to tighten each of the dryer’s legs. Sometimes, the noise may persist even when the position is correct, and the legs are loose.
If the dryer is making noise because of the idler pulley, it’s more complex, but you can still fix it. The idler pulley helps to tighten the belt properly to enable it to spin easily.
You may need to replace the pulley and all compartments completely. But in some models, only the wheels require changing. Here’s the procedure to troubleshoot an idler pulley;
- Access the idler pulley to inspect it correctly. The position usually changes per dryer, so you should check the user manual for the exact location. In some models, it’s closer to the front and at the back for other models.
- If the pulley looks good but is loose, you only need to tighten it correctly.
- If it’s too tight, an immediate replacement is necessary. Remove the belt and other compartments from the pulley and take it out.
- Buy a new pulley. Sometimes, you may need to replace only the wheels attached to the pulley.
If the motor is the cause of the dryer making noise, you need to speak to a dryer repair technician. Replacing this component is usually too complex, and you may never get the exact type. Hence, it’s generally better to replace the dryer as a whole.
The Back
The main operation of any dryer happens at the back of the unit. The major causes of a screeching noise from the back of your dryer include the following:
- The drum
- The blower fan or wheel
It may be a minor challenge, like lubrication; in some cases, you may need replacement. Just know that the cost of fixing a noisy dryer depends on the damaged part.
If the drum is behind the screeching noise from the dryers, it can be the bearing, glide, or support rollers. But screeching noise due to a faulty blower fan or wheel is a huge danger signal.
The blower fan is the component doing the hard work of drying the device and will get covered with lint and debris over time. This situation can cause a fire.
Final Thoughts
A dryer making a noise indicates a component in the device needs repair. Sometimes, the repairs needed may be minimal, and you can do it yourself. The steps in this guide will help you with some DIY fixes.
However, it’s always better to involve an expert to avoid further damage when you hear these noises. You may not have the tools to open the dryer or fix the issues.
At Prime Appliance Repairs, we have years of experience fixing dryers. Our expert team understands the possible causes of a loud dryer and will get a perfect fix.
Call 647-905-7302 for same-day appliance repair.
