Why Is My Dryer Squeaking? Try These 5 Simple Fixes

Have you noticed your dryer has started making annoying squeaking noises while running? Although it may not be impacting on its drying performance, this is often a sign of underlying issues that can get worse if you don’t take action. Thankfully, fixing a squeaky dryer is usually quite straightforward, with a few typical culprits behind the annoying noise. Read on to find out our top fixes. 

What Types Of Issues Cause Squeaking?

Squeaking noises in any appliance are usually caused by friction in a place where there shouldn’t be any friction! As dryers have a lot of moving parts, they are particularly prone to this. With repeated use, dryer parts can wear out, meaning that instead of gliding smoothly as they’re supposed to, they rub or grind. This can lead to a grinding, squealing, or squeaking noise. Keeping your dryer well maintained and replacing parts when they wear out will prevent squeaking noises – below, we list some of the most common culprits. 

1. Check The Idler Pulley For Wear

A dryer’s idler pulley provides tension for the drive belt and maintains its alignment. The belt runs through a wheel that is attached to the idler pulley. If the wheel bearing in the idler pulley is damaged or worn, it may make a squeaking or squealing noise while the dryer runs. 

To fix:

• Unplug your dryer from the power.
• Access the idler pulley. In most models, you’ll need to remove the back panel of your dryer. 
• Inspect the idler pulley for any visible damage. 
• Manually spin the pulley to see if the wheel turns smoothly. Check to see if the pulley is firm or if it moves from side to side – it should hold firm when you try to move it. 
• If the pulley is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Source a replacement pulley to ensure it is compatible with your dryer. 
• Remove the faulty pulley – you will need to remove the drive belt from the pulley wheel. Take note of how the belt is threaded through the idler pulley.
• Put the new pulley in place and thread the belt through it. 
• Put your dryer back together, restore power, and test to see if it still makes the squeaking noise.

2. Replace A Worn Drive Belt

If the idler pulley is not damaged, the fault might be with the drive belt. The drive belt is a thick, flexible belt that loops around the drum and the idler pulley. It is responsible for spinning the drum, but over time, it can become stretched, frayed, and worn. A worn drive belt creates friction, which can lead to squeaking noises.

To fix:

• Unplug your dryer and remove the back panel to gain access to the drive belt. 
• Inspect the belt for fraying, cracking, and any other damage. 
• If the belt looks worn or loose, it will need to be replaced. 
• Source a replacement belt, ensuring it meets your dryer’s specifications. 
• Remove the faulty belt, taking note of how it is looped and threaded around the drum and pulleys. 
• Put the new belt in place. 
• Put your dryer back together, restore power, and run a test to see if the squeaking persists. 

3. Lubricate The Drum Bearings

The drum bearings support your dryer, ensuring that the drum spins smoothly. If the bearings are worn or lacking in lubrication, then they may make a squeaking sound due to excessive friction. This is more likely to be your issue if you notice the squeaking sound is worse when the dryer first starts but reduces once your dryer has warmed up a bit. 

The fix:

• Unplug your dryer
• Gain access to the drum bearings. You may need to remove the top, back, or rear panels – consult your manual for specifics on your model. 
• Use a microfiber cloth to thoroughly clean the bearings.
• Apply an approved lubricant to the bearings – your dryer manual will recommend what type of lubricant to use. 
• Put your dryer back together and plug it in. 
• Run a test cycle to see if the noise has stopped. 

4. Check Your Dryer Is Level

If your dryer is not on the level, it can lead to excess noise as more pressure is placed on certain parts of the drum as it rotates. To fix this:

• Take a bubble level and measure if your dryer is sitting flat. Check from front to back and side to side. 
• If your dryer has adjustable feet, move these to ensure it is sitting flat. If not, use flat blocks of wood and keep checking the level until the dryer is sitting flat. 
• Once adjusted, run a test cycle to see if the problem has been resolved. 

5. Look For Trapped Foreign Objects 

One often overlooked cause of a squeaky dryer is trapped foreign objects. This can be caused by objects that are accidentally left in pockets during the laundry cycle – they get trapped between the door and the drum and cause a squeaking noise when the dryer rotates. Common items are coins or small children’s toys, but any foreign object can cause issues. 

To fix:

• Use a flashlight to look around inside the dryer drum and check for foreign objects. 
• Check around the door, especially where the drum meets the door panel. This is where items are most likely to get stuck. 
• If you find a trapped foreign object, remove it. If it’s wedged tightly, use a length of wire or a slender screwdriver to pry it out. Make sure you unplug your dryer before doing this. 
• Once all foreign objects have been removed, plug your dryer back in and run a test to see if the squeaking has stopped.