14 Reasons Why Your Dryer is Squeaking & Solutions

If your dryer is squeaking, it can be frustrating because it’s a noise that you don’t normally hear.

So what’s the deal? Why is your dryer squeaking and what can you do about it?

In a lot of cases, it’s probably not as serious as you think.

In most cases, a squeaky dryer is simply the result of normal wear and tear on the drum or belt.

However, if the noise is accompanied by other symptoms like reduced drying efficiency or strange smells, then there could be a more serious problem.

Here are 15 reasons why your dryer might be squeaking along with possible solutions.

1.) Worn out drum roller axles

If your dryer is squeaking, it could be because the drum roller axles are worn out.

When the axles become worn out, they can no longer support the weight of the drum.

This causes the drum to rub against other parts of the dryer, which creates a squeaking sound.

To confirm this, you can remove the front panel of the dryer and take a look at the rollers.

If the rollers are worn out, they won’t be in proper shape or broken.

Solution: If the axles are worn out, they will need to be replaced. It’s best to call a technician to get it replaced.

2.) Loose or Worn out Dryer Belt

Another possibility is that the dryer belt is loose or damaged.

The dryer belts are responsible for turning drums during the operation.

A loose or damaged dryer belt is a common cause of squeaking noises.

Simply, open the back panel and access the drive belt and see if it’s broken or frayed.

Solution: If the dryer belt is loose, it can slip and cause the drum to rub against other parts of the dryer. To fix this, tighten or replace the belt as needed.

Likewise, if the belt is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

3.) The dryer drum glides may be worn out

If your dryer is making a squeaking noise, it could be because the glides are worn out.

The glides are located under the drum and they help to support and rotate the drum.

Over time, the glides can become worn out, which will cause the drum to squeak when it rotates.

Solution: If the glides are worn out, they will need to be replaced. You can buy replacement glides online or at a hardware store. Be sure to get the right size that suits your dryer. Once you have the replacement glides, simply remove the old ones and install the new ones.

4.) The felt seal on the door could be damaged

If your dryer is squeaking, it could be because the felt seal on the door is damaged.

This seal helps to keep the door closed tightly so that heat can’t escape.

This seal also helps to keep the drum in place and prevents clothes from getting caught between the drum and the walls of the dryer. 

When the seal wears out, it can cause the drum to move around, which makes a squeaking sound and it can also cause the dryer to squeak as it tries to close the door.

Solution: You may simply, get the replacement sea and fix them at home. If you are having a hard time installing the seal, simply call a technician.

5.) The idler pulley could be loose or damaged

If the idler pulley is loose OR damaged, it can cause the dryer to squeak.

Solution: A damaged or faulty idler pulley should be replaced immediately to stop the annoying noise or to avoid further damage.

6.) A worn-out drum roller

The rollers could be worn out and these rollers help to support the drum of the dryer as it spins.

If they are worn out, then they can’t grip the drum properly and this can cause the drum to squeak as it rubs.

Solution: You should check the rollers and if they are worn out then simply replace them. You can simply, do this yourself or you may hire a service professional. Replacing the rollers is a relatively easy job and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

7.) The dryer drum may be out of balance

If the dryer is not level, the drum can become unbalanced and start to wobble.

This can cause a squeaking noise. 

Solution: To fix this, simply adjust the leveling feet on the dryer until it is level.

8.) You have a clogged vent

If your dryer is squeaking, there could be something caught in the dryer vent or you have a heavily clogged vent.

Over time, lint can build up in the vent and cause the dryer to squeak when it’s turned on. 

This could be a piece of lint or debris that is blocking the airflow.

If this is the case, you should clean out the vent to remove the obstruction.

Solution: This is a simple problem to fix, just clean out the vent and the squeaking should stop.

9.) Worn-out bearings

If your dryer is old, it could simply be that the bearings are starting to wear out.

This will cause the dryer to squeak during function or it may make a grinding noise.

Solution: It is not worth repairing the bearings or they are simply not repairable if damaged. Hence, get them replaced to get rid of the annoying noise coming off the dryer.

10.) Faulty Motor

It is also possible that there is something wrong with the motor.

Solution: You may need to contact a service professional to inspect the possible cause of the fault with the drive motor and provide you with a better resolution. If the motor has turned faulty, then, it may need to be replaced.

11.) Something is blocking the drum

If your dryer is squeaking, it could be because something is blocking the drum.

This could be a piece of clothing that got caught in the drum while it was spinning. Or, it could be a build-up of lint or other debris. 

Solution: If you think there is something blocking the drum, you should open up the dryer and take a look. If you see something blocking the path of the drum, you should remove it and then clean out the dryer to prevent it from happening again.

12.) The dryer isn’t level

One of the most common reasons why dryers squeak is that they are not level.

If your dryer is not level, it can cause the drum to rub against the side of the dryer, which will create a squeaking noise.

You can check to see if your dryer is level by using a spirit level tool. 

Solution: If the level shows that the dryer is not level, you can try to adjust the feet until it is level.

13.) Your dryer needs lubrication

If your dryer is squeaking, it may need some lubrication. 

Solution: You may take help from a professional to get it lubricated. They will be able to properly lubricate all of the moving parts on your dryer.

14.) A part is loose or damaged

If your dryer is squeaking, it could be because a part is loose or damaged.

Check all of the bolts and screws to make sure they are tight.

Also, check for any damage to the dryer drum or other parts. 

Solution: Call out for service in order to get the internet parts inspected for any loose connectivity. If you find any damage, you may have to replace the damaged part.

Final Thoughts

You may still be able to use the dryer that is making a squeaking sound, but prolonged usage may cost you a lot.

Hence, it is recommended to get them repaired in a timely manner.

In most cases, you may need to dismantle the components of the dryer, therefore calling a professional will make a lot of sense to diagnose and fix the underlying cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to dryers that may help.