Why is my dryer making a loud banging or thumping noise?

The most common reason is worn drum rollers or an unbalanced load. When the rollers that support the drum wear out or flatten, the drum begins to hit the cabinet walls during rotation. Sometimes the rear bearing becomes loose or the drive belt slips, causing rhythmic thumps with every turn. If you’ve already checked the load and the noise persists, the issue is mechanical. Continued use in this state puts stress on the motor and can lead to a torn belt or deformed drum. Replacing the rollers and belt as a set usually restores quiet, even operation

Why is my dryer squeaking or squealing when running?

A squealing or high-pitched chirp usually means the drive belt or idler pulley is worn and slipping. Over time, the belt surface hardens and starts to glaze, producing a squeak each time it moves over the pulley. The idler pulley bearings can also dry out, making a sharp squeal as the dryer starts. If ignored, the belt can snap, leaving the drum unable to spin. A professional technician can replace both the belt and pulley quickly and ensure the drum slides and bearings are properly aligned and lubricated

Is it safe to use a dryer that’s making loud noises?

No, it isn’t safe. A loud or unusual noise means friction, vibration, or mechanical imbalance, all of which can damage internal components and create a fire hazard. When parts like the belt, rollers, or bearings fail, they generate excess heat and strain the motor. Grinding noises are especially concerning because they indicate metal-to-metal contact that can shred felt seals or scar the drum. Even if the dryer still works, running it this way accelerates wear and may double the repair cost later. It’s best to unplug the unit and have it inspected before further use

How much does it cost to fix a noisy dryer?

The cost depends on what caused the noise and the brand of the dryer. Most repairs fall between minor maintenance and part replacement. Replacing a belt or idler pulley is typically inexpensive, while swapping out rear bearings or a motor is more labor-intensive. On average, homeowners spend less than replacing the machine, especially when the issue is caught early. A proper diagnosis ensures only the necessary parts are replaced, preventing future breakdowns and saving money in the long run.

Can I fix a noisy dryer myself or do I need a technician?

Simple causes like an uneven load or loose panel screws can be fixed at home, but mechanical failures require a technician. Modern dryers have safety interlocks, tensioned belts, and sealed bearings that need proper tools and alignment during reassembly. Attempting to lubricate or tighten internal parts without removing the drum can lead to belt misalignment or fire risk from oil contamination. A certified repair specialist can replace worn components, check the motor, and balance the drum correctly so your dryer runs safely and quietly again

Dryer Making Loud or Unusual Noises: Mechanical Issue Explained

If your dryer is making loud noises or you hear unusual sounds during a cycle, it indicates a mechanical problem in moving parts rather than an electronic fault. Ignoring persistent dryer noise can lead to costly damage. This guide explains what each sound means, the likely causes, the risks of continued use, and how to proceed safely.

Intro: What these noises mean and why they matter

Abnormal sounds in a dryer come from wear or misalignment of parts that rotate or support the drum. Typical complaints include thumping, squealing, humming, grinding, and rattling. Each sound maps to a set of mechanical causes. Continue using the appliance with these symptoms and you risk damage to the drum, the motor, or the cabinet.

Sound types → Causes → What it can lead to

Thumping or dull knocking

Causes: Worn drum rollers, failing rear drum bearing, loose pulley, out of round drum.

Can lead to: Uneven drum rotation, accelerated belt wear, cabinet damage, higher motor load.

Squeal, squeak, or high-pitch chirp

Causes: Glazed or stretched drive belt, worn idler pulley, dry bushings, worn slides or glides.

Can lead to: Belt break, stalled drum, motor overheat, start failures.

Hum and strong vibration

Causes: Motor bearings wearing out, cracked blower wheel, drum imbalance, unlevel feet.

Can lead to: Motor failure, shaft damage, excessive heat, shutdowns.

Metallic scraping or grinding

Causes: Coin or screw behind the front felt, worn rear bearing, worn felt seals.

Can lead to: Grooves on the drum, torn seals, hot spots, potential sparking.

Cabinet rattle or buzzing

Causes: Loose screws or panels, resonating vent duct, loose leveling legs.

Can lead to: Crack formation on mounts, chafed wiring harnesses, louder operation over time.

DIY: Safe checks before you call a technician

These steps are safe for most users and often reduce minor dryer noise. Unplug the dryer before any inspection.

Check the load. Remove heavy items or mixed loads that cause imbalance. Run a short cycle with two towels and listen.
Inspect the drum. Rotate by hand. A rhythmic squeak points to belt or roller issues. Grinding hints at a foreign object near the felt seal.
Look for loose feet and panels. Level the appliance. Tighten visible screws on the top, front, and rear panels. Rattle often drops after this.
Clean the lint filter and vent. A clogged path increases blower strain and hum. Clean the filter and check the exterior flap for free movement.
Check pockets and the drum baffles. Coins and buttons commonly cause unusual noises until they wedge behind the seal.

If the noise persists or returns quickly, the problem is mechanical and typically requires parts. Avoid repeated test cycles that make the damage worse.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not keep running a noisy dryer. Heat and friction multiply the damage and can ruin the motor or the drum bearing.
Do not lubricate blindly. Oil on felt seals or on the belt attracts lint and causes slip or glazing.
Do not bend or pry the drum. Misalignment creates permanent noise and seal leaks.
Do not ignore burning smells. Stop usage and disconnect power. Overheated parts need professional inspection.

Service: Professional repair, real cases, and what to expect

When it is time to call Swift Appliance Repair

Noise is constant or grows louder on every cycle.
You notice hot smell, drum stalls, or belt slip.
Humming at start, heavy vibration, or scraping marks on the drum.

What our technician does on site

Verifies symptoms and safety. Disconnects power and gains access to the belt path.
Inspects rollers, idler pulley, belt condition, rear bearing, blower wheel, seals, and slides.
Measures play and alignment. Replaces worn parts in matched sets to prevent quick repeat failures.
Reassembles, levels the cabinet, and runs a test cycle to confirm quiet operation.

Detailed real-world repairs

Case A: Thumping on Whirlpool

Symptom: Dull knocks with a full load. Cause: Two flat-spotted drum rollers and a cracked belt. Repair: Front access, belt removal, roller set replacement, new belt, seal cleaning, alignment check, test run. Outcome: Quiet rotation and normal start torque. Prevention: Avoid overloaded cycles and check belt condition yearly.

Case B: Squeal on Samsung

Symptom: Sharp squeal for 10 to 20 seconds at start. Cause: Worn idler pulley and glazed belt. Repair: New idler pulley, new belt, inspection of front slides, light polish on the motor pulley groove, final test. Outcome: Smooth and silent start behavior. Prevention: Proactive belt and idler replacement every two to three years.

Case C: Metallic grinding on LG

Symptom: Scraping sound at mid speed. Cause: Coin wedged behind the front felt seal, minor scratches on the drum. Repair: Front removal, coin extraction, felt seal refresh, rear bearing check, reassembly, and noise test. Outcome: No grinding, even drum glide. Prevention: Empty pockets and use garment bags for small parts.

Case D: Hum and vibration on GE

Symptom: Constant hum with cabinet shake. Cause: Cracked blower wheel that wobbled under load. Repair: New blower wheel, vent path cleaning, motor noise check under load, cabinet leveling, panel screw retorque. Outcome: Stable airflow and quiet cabinet. Prevention: Annual vent cleaning to keep blower strain low.

Why customers choose Swift Appliance Repair

Technicians experienced with LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, Bosch, Electrolux, Frigidaire, and more.
Stocked vans for same-day fixes on common dryer noise faults.
Clear estimates, warranty on parts and labor, respectful in-home service.

Care tips to prevent noise from returning

Level the cabinet and keep loads moderate.
Clean the lint filter every cycle and the vent path at least once a year.
Replace the belt and idler proactively if squeaks begin to appear.
Check pockets and drum baffles for loose items after each wash load.

Ready to restore quiet operation

If your dryer is making loud noises or you notice any unusual sounds, schedule a visit. Early service protects the motor and keeps repair costs down.

Dryer Making Loud or Unusual Noises - Causes, Mechanical Issues, and Professional Repair Guide