Is the dryer making loud screeching noise when turning, and you can’t put your finger on the issue? Are you thinking of calling a dryer expert to ask for their help? Don’t just yet!
Your dryer is making a loud screeching or squeaking sound because it’s unsteady, clogged (especially its lint trap, blower fan, or igniter), or one of its major components has failed.
The failed component could be the idler pulley, felt seal, drum glides, drive belt, drum bearing, drum rollers, roller shafts, or drive motor. The secret to knowing what component to check is to determine where the squeaky sound comes from, and I’ll help you do that.
But before discussing the issues, let’s talk about whether a squeaky dryer is dangerous and why you should or shouldn’t worry about the noise.
In a rush? Consider the quick fixes to the three issues that could lead to a squeaky dryer in the table below.
Troubleshooting A Dryer Making Loud Screeching Noise When Turning
| Likely Issue | What to Check | Recommended Fix | |
| 1. | Dryer Unsteadiness | Unlevelled installation or loose dryer feet | Adjust the dryers feet if not well leveled and tighten them if loose |
| 2. | Clogged Component | Lint trap, blower fan, or igniter | Clean the clogged component to unobstructed it |
| 3. | Failed Component | Screeching from the front: Idler pulley, felt seal, or drum glides Squealing from the bottom: Motor Screeching from the back: Belt, drum bearing, drum rollers, or roller shafts | Replace the affected dryer component depending on where the screeching originates from |
Is A Squeaky Dryer Dangerous?
Ordinarily, a squeaking sound is not a problem as it does not stop the dryer from running. It, however, can become annoying to the ear if the dryer squeaks so loud and won’t stop.
Then again, the reason why the dryer is squeaking is because something is wrong with the dryer. Apart from the clogging and dryer unsteadiness, the other issues highlighted in the above table point to a failed component.
That means you can’t just ignore the sound. If you do, the components could break down even further or cause another to break down. Ultimately, you’ll end up with a non-working dryer that you may have to replace or pay expensively.
Thus, it’s advisable to turn off the dryer immediately when you hear a screeching or squealing sound and try to find out why. That last part will form our subsequent discussion.
Why Is My Dryer Making a Loud Screeching Noise?
Generally, your dryer, regardless of model or type, screeches or squeaks loudly due to one of these three reasons:
1. The Dryer Is Unsteady
Unless your dryer is resting steadily, it’s likely to make some noise and could be as loud as a high-pitched squeal or screech. Essentially, this issue relates to a dryer that screeches from the bottom, but you can consider it nonetheless, even if the sound doesn’t come from the dryer’s bottom part.
Here are two explanations for why your dryer is unsteady:
- Unlevelled installation – It could be that all the dryer’s feet are not touching the surface. Some might be hanging midair, causing the unsteadiness.
- Loose dryer feet – Sometimes, the feet might be leveled but not tight enough. If so, the dryer might still make a screeching sound as it turns.
Fix
If you can find a carpenter’s level, use it to check if your dryer is leveled. If not, adjust its feet until they all touch the surface. Then, check if the feet are loose and tighten them firmly with a wrench.
2. A Dryer Component Could Be Clogged
The dryer might be screeching because one of its components is clogged by dirt or lint. The components I’m talking about are:
- Lint trap – It’s essential to clean the lint trap after every dryer use. If you don’t, the dirt and lint will accumulate and clog the trap. Once that happens, the dryer may struggle to work and may produce a squeaky or screeching sound.
- Blower fan – The blower fan powers the dryer and cools the outside air. But over time, it accumulates debris and lint, which may obstruct it. Once jammed, the blower fan becomes noisy and squeaky at times.
- Igniter – You can’t overlook the igniter without a screeching gas-powered dryer. This component, whose job is to ignite the flame, might have accumulated too much lint or dirt and thus unable to run smoothly.
Fix
If the lint trap, blower fan, or igniter is clogged, you must clean it. If you can’t, find a dryer expert or technician who can help you do it.
3. A Dryer Component Could Be Defective
The last consideration for a screeching dryer is a failed component. One of its components could be worn out, damaged, or even loose, thus making it unable to run smoothly.
But for you to know what component to check, consider where the screeching sound is coming from, and here’s how to go about it:
Loud Screeching Dryer from The Front
If your dryer is screeching from its front, part 90% of the time the issue is a defective idler pulley. This component, whose job is to offer the drive belt enough tension, may be worn out or loose. And if so, the dryer will make a screeching or squealing sound as it turns.
If the drive pulley is okay, but the noise still comes from the front of the dryer, it could be due to a defective felt seal or drum glide. The felt seal provides an airtight seal between the dryer door and drum to prevent air leakage and the passage of loose items.
Like every dryer part, it wears out with time, and the door won’t close properly once that’s the case. Moreover, the dryer may produce a loud screeching or metal squeaking sound.
As for the drum glides, their job is to support the drum. They also wear out over time or may become rusty or damaged. When they do, they produce a loud screeching sound as the drum turns.
Fix
Check if the idler pulley is loose and tighten it. Replace it, however, if it’s worn out. Also, inspect the felt seal and drum glides for wear and change them if that’s the case.
Dryer Screeching from The Bottom
We’ve already shared two reasons the dryer may squeak from the bottom: unsteadiness or a clogged blower fan. But other than the two, there’s one major component to check as it could be defective.
I’m talking about the drive motor, which could be worn out. The motor wears out naturally from regular use, and when it does, it becomes noisy and may produce a screeching sound.
Fix
Consider replacing the drive motor after ruling out a wobbly dryer or obstructed blower fan.
Dryer Screeching from The Back
Most dryer components are at the back and often wear out or break down from regular use. Some of them will produce a screeching sound, and they include the following:
- Drive belt – The drive belt’s job is to turn the drum during drying. It can wear out from regular use and loosen, and once that happens, the drum won’t rotate, and the belt itself may produce a squeaking noise.
- Drum bearings – Like the drum glides, the drum bearings support the drum as it turns. However, they can wear out and fail to do this job, forcing the dryer to produce a loud screeching sound.
- Drum rollers – The drum rollers also support the turning of the drum and can fail by wearing out over time. And like the preceding components, defective drum rollers can produce a squeaky sound.
- Roller shafts – Roller shafts are small pin-like features on the back wall that may wear out or break down by scratching. Once that’s the case, the dryer may make a loud screeching sound.
Fix
Check and replace the drive belt, drum bearings, and rollers shafts for wear or damage. You can use your dryer manual to locate them and replace them.
Gas Dryer Making Loud Squealing Noise
If your gas dryer scratches so loud, check if it’s steady. Its feet could be unlevelled or loose. In that case, you’ll need to adjust and tighten them firmly.
Also, check the igniter, which could be lint clogged, and clean it. Don’t forget to check the lint trap and blower for lint clogging. They, too, will need some cleaning.
And if you still can’t find why your dryer screeches so loud, inspect the idler pulley, drive belt, felt seal, drum glides, drum rollers, roller shafts, drum bearings, and motor for wear or damage and replace them.
But How Do You Fix a Noisy Screeching Noise in A Dryer?
There are different issues to check and fix when your dryer won’t stop screeching. They include the following:
- Ensure the dryer is steady. If it’s not, adjust and tighten its feet
- Check if the lint trap, blower fan, and igniter (if it’s a gas dryer) are clogged. If they are, clean them.
- Check the idler pulley, felt seal, and drum glides for wear or damage if the screeching is from the front, and replace the affected part
- Inspect the drive motor for wear if the noise is from the bottom. And if it’s so, replace the motor
- Lastly, check if the drive belt, drum bearings, drum rollers, or drum shafts are worn out/damaged if the noise is from the back. If any of them is, replace it.
Generally, How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Screeching Dryer?
Depending on the dryer type, size, and model and the cause of the screech, it’ll cost $100 – $400 to fix a screeching dryer. Of course, issues like unsteadiness or clogging won’t cost you anything if you can do the job yourself.
The cost comes in when replacing a defective component and paying an expert to replace it.
People Also Ask
1. Why Is My Dryer Making a Loud Squealing Noise?
Your dryer is squealing loud because it’s unsteady (primarily due to loose or unlevelled feet) or obstructed (due to a clogged lint trap, blower fan, or igniter).
If that’s not it, one major internal component could be worn out or faulty. That includes the drive belt, felt seal, idler pulley, drum rollers, motor, or drum glides.
2. Why Is My Dryer Making a High-Pitched Screeching Sound?
A high-pitched sound like a loud squeal or screech could point to different issues. First, it could be that your dryer is unsteady. In that case, check its feet and adjust them if they are unlevelled. It could also be that the lint trap, blower fan, or igniter is lint-clogged or an internal component is faulty.
3. How Do I Stop My Dryer from Squeaking When It Spin?
You can stop your dryer from squeaking if it spins by ensuring it’s steady. If it’s not, you must adjust and firmly tighten its feet.
Also, check the lint trap, blower fan, and igniter for clogging and clean them. And lastly, replace any worn-out internal component.
4. Why Does My Dryer Make a Loud Noise When I Turn It On?
When you turn it on, your dryer makes a loud noise because it’s unsteady (perhaps due to loose feet), clogged, or has a defective component. The component could be the motor, felt seal, idler pulley, drum bearings, drum glides, roller shaft, or drive belt.
Closing Remarks On a Dryer Making Loud Screeching Noise When Turning:
Above are the three reasons your dryer screeches loud when it turns on. Unsteadiness, obstructed component, or failed part. Go through each issue to determine why your dryer won’t run smoothly.
And as shared, the screeching could point to a serious issue you can’t overlook. Hence, you’ve to troubleshoot it or find someone (an expert) who can.
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