8 POSSIBLE REASONS WHY YOUR DRYER IS SQUEAKING
The sound of a squeaking dryer can be concerning, and narrowing down the source of the noise can feel daunting. A squeaking dryer may mean that a minor or major repair is needed, or in some cases, an upgrade to a new unit is necessary. Pinpointing whether the noise is coming from the bottom, front or back of the unit can help determine the cause. Check out the common causes of a dryer making a squeaking noise below, and find out when and how to troubleshoot a squeaky dryer yourself, or when it might be time to call a professional.
WHY IS MY DRYER SQUEAKING?
There are a few common causes of a loud squealing or squeaking noise, whether you have a gas or electric dryer. Unlevel or loose dryer legs or worn out parts may be why your dryer is squeaking. It’s normal for dryer parts to wear out from continued use, and it isn’t necessarily dangerous. Luckily, most new parts are relatively easy to track down and install. Read on to learn more about why your dryer may be squeaking and how to fix a squeaking dryer.
1. UNLEVEL OR LOOSE DRYER LEGS
Noises coming from the bottom of the dryer could require a repair and can stem from minor causes like loose dryer legs to more serious issues like a worn-out motor.
To narrow it down, a common first step may include checking that the dryer legs are level and tightened. Leveling the dryer legs involves placing a leveler on top of the dryer turned from front to back, then side to side, and adjusting the legs until the leveler reads that they’re even.
If dryer legs are level, the next steps may include tightening the legs by carefully pulling the dryer away from the wall, tilting it back, securing it with a support object and tightening the dryer feet with a wrench.
Don’t hesitate to contact the dryer manufacturer or a professional for help finding out if loose or unlevel dryer legs are the source of the squeak. You can reach the Maytag customer care center at 800-344-1274. If loosened legs don’t seem to be the problem, keep troubleshooting by considering the other common causes of a squeaking dryer listed below.
2. WORN OUT MOTOR
A worn out motor may cause your dryer to make loud, rumbling noises instead of squeaking. Neglecting to clean your vents regularly can lead to a buildup of lint on the motor, which might result in the bearings seizing up, causing overheating and eventual burnout. If your motor is broken or spinning slowly, your dryer will no longer spin or dry clothes properly. To ensure your dryer is restored to optimal condition, it's recommended that you seek the expertise of a professional for motor replacement.
3. WORN OUT IDLER PULLEY
When screeching or ticking noises come from the front of the dryer, you may hear the sound originating from the front-right side. This may stem from an issue with the idler pulley, which puts tension on the dryer’s drum belt to prevent it from slipping off during a cycle. On some models, these components are located toward the rear of the machine.
Accessing and changing your dryer’s idler pulley can be a straightforward but extensive process. When the idler pulley doesn't rotate smoothly, it usually means the part needs to be addressed or replaced.
For help with assessing your dryer's idler pulley, contact your dryer manufacturer or a professional. You can reach the Maytag customer care center at 800-344-1274. If your idler pulley needs replacing, you can browse Maytag® idler pulley parts or visit your local hardware store for compatible parts.
4. FAULTY DRIVE BELT
The back of the dryer houses a variety of components that could wear out, so it tends to be the most common source of a dryer making a squeaking noise or, in some cases, a squealing sound. In the back you’ll find the dryer’s drum bearings and roller shaft, which both support the drum and allow it to turn smoothly.
Noise from the back of the unit may indicate a faulty drive belt, which wraps around the perimeter of the dryer drum to help it spin and can become loose or worn over time. A high-pitched, rubber-to-metal sound when the drum starts to rotate might indicate that the belt is starting to wear out against the grooved motor pulley. Another potential cause of noise is if there is an object partially stuck in the drum seal, causing wear on the belt, which may squeak or squeal in response as it wears down and possibly breaks.
For more help deciding if your dryer’s drive belt needs replacing, contact your dryer manufacturer or a professional.
5. DAMAGED SUPPORT ROLLERS
Screeching noises could also come from the support rollers—small wheels that sit on the roller shaft and hold the dryer drum in place—or the drum glides, which help the drum move smoothly and quietly throughout the cycle.
To access your support rollers, a professional would need to open your dryer’s cabinet and remove the drum. Then, they would remove the nut or spring clip that is holding your support roller in place. Then, they will be able to troubleshoot your support rollers. It is possible for one roller to be more worn out than the other. Even if that is the case, you may still need to have a professional replace both rollers.
For more help on support rollers and squeaky dryer noises, contact your dryer manufacturer or a professional.
6. WORN OUT DRUM BEARINGS
Drum bearings are located in the center of the back wall inside the dryer cabinet and support the rear of the drum as it tumbles. Bearings that show visible signs of wear should be replaced.
Contact your dryer manufacturer or a professional for more help determining if drum bearings are the source of your dryer’s screeching.
7. DAMAGED ROLLER SHAFTS
Roller shafts look like small rolling pins inside the dryer, and are located on either side of the back wall of the dryer cavity. Roller shafts with build-up, scratches or dings can cause a squeaking sound, and it usually indicates that it’s time for the parts to be replaced.
For more help deciding if roller shafts are to blame for unwanted dryer noises, contact your dryer manufacturer or a professional.
8. WORN OUT DRUM GLIDES
Dryer drum glides create a smooth barrier between the outer rim of the front of the drum and the dryer door. Aside from screeching, signs of worn dryer glides may include grinding noises, brown spots on clothes or clothing catching between the drum and dryer door. If one drum glide shows signs of wear, it means that both drum glides need to be replaced.
Contact your dryer manufacturer or a professional for help determining if your dryer’s drum glides are causing a loud screeching sound or need replacing.
SHOP MAYTAG® DRYER REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
Maytag® dryer replacement parts and accessories can help keep your machine in peak condition. Purchase directly from Maytag brand to ensure your parts are genuine and compatible with your machine.
WHY DOES MY DRYER SQUEAK UNTIL IT WARMS UP?
Your dryer may squeak during start-up due to a bad bearing in the idler pulley. Consult a professional to verify if this is the problem with your dryer.
HOW DO YOU LUBRICATE A SQUEAKY DRYER?
Call a professional to lubricate your squeaky dryer or reach out to your manufacturer for specific instructions on what to use and how to safely lubricate your dryer.
REPAIR OR UPGRADE YOUR DRYER
Whatever the cause of your dryer’s noise-making, you can be certain that screeching or squeaking from the dryer means that it’s time for a further inspection, repair or an entirely new unit. If your washer is shaking, learn what to do to help stabilize or troubleshoot it. If you’re ready for an upgrade, explore these Maytag® dryers to find the right fit.
SHOP MAYTAG® DRYERS
With Maytag® dryers, you gain access to powerful features like sanitizing options and steam enhancement on select models that are engineered to handle every load. Maytag brand dryers deliver the dependability you can trust to help you tackle laundry day with time to spare.
