Why is my dryer squeaking? This is one of the most commonly asked questions by homeowners.
Just like an air conditioner, a dryer is a very useful home appliance.
Depending on the brand and the model of your dryers, squeak noises could be due to worn out rear drum mounting bearings, worn-out tub support roller, damaged blower squirrel cage bearings, and much more.
In this guide, we shall discuss different methods on how you can fix a squeaky dry. (Source)
Why Is My Dryer Squeaking- Easy DIY Fixes?
Below are the answers to the question- why is my dryer squeaking. I’ve personally diagnosed and fixed several dryers thanks to these tips I share with you.
1. Worn-Out or Un-Lubricated Rollers
Some dryers are fitted with rollers on the bottom or on the front.
When the rollers are causing the squeak, you will notice that the noise will be coming from the back of the unit.
The drum glides across the rollers when it’s on.
At times, the ball bearings fail to work well, which means that the gliding motion is hindered.
This is what produces the creaky noise.
In case of worn out or damaged rollers, all you need to do is replace them.
Rollers are relatively inexpensive, but you may need to get a professional to fix them.
The rollers may be intact, but if they are not lubricated, they could result in a squeak.
If you have checked the rollers and are still intact, spray some WD-40 or any other high-quality lubricant and then check if squeaking has stopped.
To access the rollers, first, push the machine away from the wall and ensure that the unit is unplugged.
No repairs should be done if the dryer is still connected to the power source, which can be fatal.
Next, remove the lint screen, open the unit top panel, and disconnect the wire harness plug.
After removing the screws at the top of the top panel, you should remove the drive belt and the drum to access the rollers.
2. Damaged Dryer Belt
If the squeak is coming from the top of the unit, the belt is often the culprit.
The Dryer belt is a thin rubber string that attaches the drum to the motor.
When the motor is on, the idler pulley causes the belt to move, consequently moving the drum.
With all the spinning that goes on inside the unit, this belt wears out fast.
The belt can also loosen, which reduces efficiency, but it may also cause a squeaking sound.
Replacing the belt is easy as all you need to is take out the old one and replace it with a new one. Just ensure that you get the right match for your unit.
To access the dryer belt, remove the insert for the lint trap and unscrew the lid from the frame.
Run a putty knife along the top to flip the unit open.
Unscrew the wire harness plug and the mounting screws along the front panel to expose the dryer belt.
3. Worn out Teflon Strips
If your unit doesn’t have rollers, then it mostly comes with a Teflon strip.
When this strip wears out, the unit will start producing squeaking sounds as the metal drum comes into contact with another metal surface.
The best thing to do in such a case is to replace the strip, and since Teflon wears faster than rollers, you should ensure that you check them regularly.
Failure to replace the strip on time will lead to further damage to the tank, and this will be more costly to fix in the end.
To check whether the Teflon strip is the problem, check the user manual for steps on how to disassemble the unit.
If you do not have the manual, the process is similar to that of replacing worn-out rollers.
4. Wiggling Idler Pulley
Most modern dryers come with two pulleys, the idler, and the motor pulley.
The idler pulley is located between the dryer belt and motor, and when it starts to wiggle, it is sure to produce a squeaking noise.
To access the Idler Pulley, start by removing the lid and front panel.
Ensure that the wire harness plug is disconnected before removing the drive belt to expose the pulley.
Just like the dryer belt, the Idler Pulley is easy to replace.
You just have to ensure that you get the right fit for your machine.
Where possible, get in touch with the manufacturer and specify the model to ensure you get the right replacement for your unit.
5. Uneven Legs
If the legs are not even, it is highly likely that it will produce a squeak when it is running.
While checking the legs could be tasking, you can use a leveling beam to see if the unit is leveled.
Place the bean at the top of the machine and if it tilts towards a certain direction, adjust the leg accordingly.
Most modern dryers come with adjustable legs that can be heightened and lowered with relative ease.
Even if the unit is not adjustable, stick a magazine or block of wood under the tilting side until the noise is all gone.
It is important to remember that the legs may be okay, but the floor is uneven.
Ideally, you should move it to an area where the floor is leveled.
If this is not possible, use anything from an old towel to a thin carton to level the floor.
6. Damaged Motor
If all the parts mentioned above are in perfect condition and still hear squeaks, the motor could be the problem.
An easy way to tell if the motor is the issue is to listen to the bottom of the dryer.
If that is where the noise is coming from, the motor is probably the problem.
The motor is not easy to replace, which means that you will have to buy a new one and hire a professional to fix it for you.
When you add up the costs, it may make more sense to buy a new unit.
If you have had your unit for some time, plan to get a replacement if you cannot stand the squeaking sound.
A good dryer should serve you well for years.
If you have a relatively new machine that won’t stop squeaking, you should consider talking to the manufacturer, especially if the unit is still under warranty.
If the squeak is due to the manufacturer defect, you should get a replacement or at least have your unit repaired at no cost.
Final Thoughts on Why Is My Dryer Squeaking
The answer to the question- why is my dryer squeaking can be fully solved by the above tips.
Remember to follow each step highlighted above to the latter, and you’ll be glad to have the problem fixed.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.