Loud Screeching Noise From Dryer When Turning

The primary cause of a noisy dryer during operation is often a malfunctioning idler pulley. To address this issue, start by unplugging your dryer and detaching the belt.

Attempt to manually rotate the idler pulley, and if it doesn't move smoothly, it's advisable to replace it. Additionally, other damaged components such as drum bearings, the motor, or the drum support could also be responsible for the noise.

Reasons Why Your Dryer is Making Loud Screeching Noise

Drum Bearings

In certain models of both gas and electric dryers, there is a bearing located at the rear that serves to stabilize the drum. This bearing can take the form of a ball and socket mechanism or a shaft connected to a sleeve bushing.

If the screeching noise originates from this rear bearing, it indicates a defect, necessitating a replacement.

Inspecting the Drum Bearings

1. Ensure there is no residual water in the drum. Disconnect the dryer from the power source and make sure there are no clothes or lingering water inside the drum.
2. Manually rotate the drum while listening for any unusual sounds.
3. Shift the drum by holding the front edge and moving it upwards and towards the back of the dryer in one fluid motion.

If the drum moves easily in any direction, it's a clear sign that the drum bearing needs replacement.

Drum Support Rollers & Shaft

In certain gas and electric dryer models, drum rollers play a crucial role in supporting the drum's movement. These rollers are typically located on the rear bulkhead, although specific models may have them on the front bulkhead.

As time goes on, these rollers can experience wear and tear, leading to difficulties in the drum's rotation. This wear and tear can result in a screeching noise or, in some cases, a pronounced knocking sound. When this occurs, it's necessary to replace the drum rollers as a set.

Inspecting Your Drum Support Rollers

1. Remove the drum. Safely disconnect the dryer from the power source, and open the cabinet to access and remove the drum.
2. Examine for indications of damage. Carefully inspect the drum for any signs of wear or damage.
3. Replace the drum support rollers. If you observe that one or more rollers are worn out or damaged, it's essential to replace them as a set to ensure proper functioning.

Pros and Cons of Dryer

Pros

• Time-Saving
• Convenience
• Softer Clothes
• Reduced Wrinkles
• Space Efficiency

Cons

• Energy Consumption
• Potential Damage
• Environmental Impact
• Cost
• Lint and Maintenance

Differences Between Dryers and Washers

Washer

A washer, also known as a washing machine, is used to clean and remove dirt, stains, and odours from clothing, bedding, and other washable items. It agitates and cleans the laundry using water and detergent.

Dryer

A dryer, or clothes dryer, is used to remove moisture from clean, wet laundry after it has been washed. It uses heat and airflow to evaporate the water, leaving the clothes dry and ready to wear.

Alternative to Dryer

Heated Drying Cabinets

Drying cabinets are energy-efficient alternatives to traditional dryers. They use lower temperatures and a longer drying time, which can be gentler on clothes. These cabinets are often used in Europe.

Drive Belt

Both gas and electric dryers rely on belts to facilitate the rotation of the drum. These belts tend to become harder and more brittle as they age, and individual sections of the belts may separate as the drum rotates, resulting in a pronounced knocking sound.

Examining the Drive Belt

1. Ensure the drum is empty and disconnect your dryer from the power source.
2. Identify the drive belt. Remove the front panel of the dryer to access the drive belt, which is wrapped around the drum beneath the idler pulley wheel.
3. Inspect the drive belt. Look for any signs of cracking, fraying, or burning.

If you observe any damage or wear on the drive belt, it is necessary to replace it to ensure proper dryer operation.

Idler Pulley

An idler pulley in a dryer serves to maintain the tension in the drum belt, preventing it from slipping off the drive motor pulley or the drum itself, especially when the dryer is fully loaded and in operation. Due to its high-speed rotation, the idler pulley can wear out from constant friction, leading to potential issues such as squeaking, screeching, or even a scraping or heavy knocking sound.

Checking the Idler Pulley

1. Remove the front panel. First, disconnect your dryer from its power source, and then remove the front panel. In some dryer models, this may be the lower access panel. Ensure that your dryer is empty.
2. Examine the idler pulley. To do this, you'll need to remove the drive belt. Gently push the idler pulley in the direction of the motor to release the tension, and then slide it off.
3. Remove the idler pulley. This should be a straightforward process with little to no resistance. If you encounter difficulty when removing it, it's likely that a replacement is needed.

Blower Wheel & Housing

In both gas and electric dryers, the blower wheel plays a crucial role in drawing air from the heating chamber, passing it through the drum, and expelling it through the exhaust vent. Since the blower wheel is typically made of plastic, it can wear out over time.

It is usually attached to the end of the motor and can be either threaded onto the shaft or secured with a clamp. When the blower wheel becomes loose, it often results in loud, heavy knocking sounds or even a roaring noise.

Examining a Blower Wheel

1. Locate the blower wheel. Begin by unplugging your dryer and removing the back panel. Typically, you can find the rear panel in the bottom left corner, and the blower wheel is located underneath.
2. Inspect the blower wheel and housing. Carefully check for any signs of damage. Also, make sure to examine the area around the blower wheel for foreign objects that might be causing the noise.
3. Inspect the hub of the wheel. To do this, you'll need to remove the front panel of your dryer and then remove the drum. Examine the hub for any indications of damage.
4. Replace the blower wheel. If you find any damage on either the hub or the wheel itself, it's essential to replace the blower wheel to resolve the issue.

Baffle or Lifter Baffles or lifters

are components located on the interior surface of the dryer drum, and their purpose is to agitate and tumble the clothes during the drying cycle. If one of these baffles becomes dislodged, it can result in a noticeable heavy knocking or banging noise, and it may eventually break off entirely.

Inspecting the Baffle

1. Examine the baffles. Open the dryer door and carefully check for any signs of cracking or damage on the baffles.
2. Look for loose items. Inspect for any loose change or pieces of metal that may have become lodged under the baffles. These foreign objects can create rattling noises during operation and may even damage your clothing.
3. Replace the baffles. If you identify any damage or if the baffles feel loose, it is necessary to replace them to prevent further issues and maintain proper dryer performance.

Motor

Every dryer utilizes a motor to drive both the blower and the drum. When the motor is malfunctioning, it can produce various sounds. A loose pulley can result in a rattling noise, a faulty bearing may lead to a high-pitched noise, and a defective winding or switch can create a humming sound.

Testing a Dryer Motor

1. Unplug your dryer. First, disconnect the power source to ensure safety. Open the cabinet and locate the motor. Depending on your dryer model, you may have to remove the drum or blower wheel to access the motor.
2. Disconnect the wire leads. In order to remove the motor, you will need to detach the wire leads from the wiring harness.
3. Use a multimeter. Set your multimeter to the Rx1 (resistance) setting and touch the probes to the motor's terminals. The reading should either be close to zero or zero, indicating continuity.

Conclusion

When confronted with a loud screeching noise emanating from your dryer during its operation, it's essential to consider a range of potential culprits. From a faulty idler pulley, worn drum support rollers, damaged drum bearings, and a deteriorating drive belt to a problematic blower wheel, motor issues, and dislodged baffles, these components can all contribute to the distressing noise.

However, by systematically inspecting and diagnosing the source of the problem, you can take the necessary steps to address and rectify the issue, ensuring your dryer operates smoothly and quietly once more. Regular maintenance and timely replacements of worn components are key to keeping your dryer in good working condition and preventing these noisy disturbances.