You turn your dryer on and within a few moments start to hear a squeaking sound as the drum rotates. Is it time to call an appliance handyman?
Your dryer is one of the most heavily used appliances in your home. Weekly laundry can put a lot of strain on your dryer as you dry clothing and bedding. All this use can put a lot of strain on the mechanisms that keep your dryer operating effectively leading to squeaking.
Most dryer squeaking can be quickly identified and fixed with the help of a dryer repair technician. But first, the source of the squeaking has to be identified. Your dryer is made up of many parts and each one can contribute to a dryer making squeaking noises.
Let’s review some of the most common causes of dryer squeaking so you can get the necessary repairs done.
Why Is My Dryer Squeaking?
Most people turn on their dryer and walk away without thinking about all the components that go into drying their clothes. So when the dryer is squealing or squeaking, they immediately begin to panic.
Most squeaking can be fixed quite quickly. In some cases the dryer has reached an age where it no longer functions properly. Most older dryers will eventually begin to creek and squeak as belts and the drum get older. While in newer dryers it can simply be a loose belt or bearing causing the squeaking.
Causes of A Squeaky Dryer
Your dryer is made up of pulleys, belts, bearings and countless other parts that can become loose or break which can lead to squeaking. Here are some of the most common causes of a dryer squeaking loudly.
Dryer Belt Needs to be Replaced
The dryer belt is what drives your drum to spin around. Prolonged use paired with the high temperatures causes the belt to wear down as your dryer ages. Listen to where the sound of the squeaking is coming from. If it is squeaking at the top of the dryer, it may be a cracked or worn belt.
The belt can be accessed through the dryer cabinet. Make sure the dryer is unplugged before accessing any part of the operating mechanism. If you notice the belt is beginning to crack, it may be time for replacement. If the belt is beginning to look a bit worn, you can help reduce wear and tear by using a lubricant which will allow the belt to move smoother and reduce friction.
Never let a belt reach the point where it could snap. This can cause other parts of your dryer to break as well leading to an expensive service bill.
Loose Idler Pulley
You may remember learning about pulleys and levers in grade school. Many of these simple concepts are what keeps your dryer working efficiently.
Over time, the idler pulley can wear down similar to the dryer belt. This can lead to squeaking as the pulley becomes loose and struggles to function properly.
The most common causes of a idler pulley failure are:
Idler Pulley Is Old
You likely do laundry one or two times per week depending on the size of your household. As your machine ages, this use can cause the idler pulley to break down or leave cracks that can cause squeaking as it moves.
Idler Pulley Is Slipping
When the idler pulley gets too old or is used too often it may begin to slip as it rubs against the engine belt. If the idler pulley is slipping, it’s time to get a replacement.
Idler Pulley Is Damaged
There are countless reasons why your dryer may be squeaking and if one of these factors goes without repair for too long, it can cause damage to other areas of your dryer like the idler pulley.
If you don’t replace the idler pulley in a timely fashion, this can also lead to damage or the pulley breaking. This can cause other parts of your dryer to break down too, once again leading to an expensive repair bill.
Glider Bearings Are Worn Out
This is one of the most common causes of dryer squeaking. As glider bearings wear down you may notice several changes in your machine:
● Dryer drum will not turn
● A screeching or squealing sound coming from inside the machine
● Streaks or lines on clothing
● Bits of broken plastic in the drum
These issues are caused when the drum begins to move around during operation causing clothes to get stuck between the bulkhead and the drum. This can cause significant damage to clothing or prevent the machine from operating all together.
It likely means that the glider bearings need to be replaced. If you can’t locate the bearings yourself to replace them, then call your dryer service technician right away if you notice any of these problems.
Dryer Bearings Or Motor Are Faulty
If your dryer is making a loud screeching noise from the back of the machine or you can smell burning, it’s time to inspect your dryer’s motor. It is important to fix this problem right away to avoid the motor breaking completely.
You can inspect the dryer motor and bearings by checking the back of the unit. The main components of the dryer are located at the back of the machine including the wiring and pulleys which may need to be removed to access the motor or bearings.
Safety Tips When Repairing A Squeaking Dryer
Remember it is important to always make sure to take precautions before tackling any repair job.
If you are dealing with a squeaky dryer, contact the friendly and professional team at Fix It Right Appliances. Our service technicians can quickly identify why your dryer is squealing or squeaking. We will provide you with an accurate free estimate so you can feel confident you are getting the best service at a price that fits your budget.
