Dryer Making Squeaking or Grinding Noise — West Hollywood Repair
Squeaking and grinding from a dryer is almost always mechanical wear — and it's the kind of problem that gets worse, not better, with time. The good news is that the parts involved are all inexpensive. The bad news is that ignoring it long enough can damage the drum.
What this symptom usually means
Squeaking and grinding from a dryer is almost always mechanical wear — and it's the kind of problem that gets worse, not better, with time. The good news is that the parts involved are all inexpensive. The bad news is that ignoring it long enough can damage the drum. Below is a breakdown of the most common causes we find on this exact problem, roughly in order of frequency.
Common causes, in order of likelihood
Worn drum rollers
Rollers support the drum as it turns. When they wear flat or lose their bearings, they squeak or grind. We replace them as a set.
Failing idler pulley
The idler keeps tension on the belt. When its bushing wears out, it squeals.
Glazed or worn drive belt
A belt that's been slipping for months glazes and makes a rubbery squeaking noise.
Worn rear drum bearing
On some models, the back of the drum rides on a sleeve or ball bearing that eventually wears — a deeper repair but not a difficult one.
Debris in the blower
A coin or screw sucked into the blower housing will make a consistent grinding noise that follows the motor's speed.
When it's time to call
Call when the noise has started to get louder week over week. A proactive replacement of rollers and belt keeps the rest of the dryer in good shape.
Call WeHo — (323) 285-0520
Frequently asked questions
How urgent is this?
Moderately urgent. Rollers that grind long enough eventually damage the drum rim.
Do you replace one roller or the whole set?
The whole set, plus idler and belt — it's the right way to keep the noise from coming back.
Is the dryer safe to use in the meantime?
For a week or two, probably. Beyond that we'd want to take a look.