Squeaky Dryer? How to Fix It

Squeaky noises coming from your dryer can be loud and annoying—especially when your dryer is on at nighttime and you’re trying to sleep. Most of the time, the squeaky noise is caused by something simple like your dryer not sitting level on the floor, or there is something loose inside the drum. However, it can also be caused by a faulty component within your dryer like the dryer belt.

In this guide, we will start by giving you some simple fixes to apply, and if they don’t work, we will then give you step-by-step instructions for how to check, and if required, fix the internal components that might be causing the squeaky noise.

Before you take your dryer apart and check the internal components, go through this list of 5 simple fixes below to see if doing them removes the squeaky noise from your dryer.

1. Make sure there aren’t any loose metal jacket zips or buttons in your dryer drum. Loose items can scratch the drum, causing a squeaky noise.
2. Make sure you don’t overload your dryer. This can cause the dryer drum to rub against the other components causing a squeaky noise.
3. Make sure there aren’t any loose screws or hoses on/around your dryer unit. Loose items can cause a squeaky noise.
4. Make sure your dryer is sitting level on the floor. This can be checked by placing a bubble level on your dryer and adjusting the legs if necessary.
5. Make sure the lint trap doesn’t have any metal objects in it. Items like coins and buttons can cause a squeaky noise.

If these simple fixes didn’t remove the squeaky sound from your dryer, you will need to check the internal components.

Check the dryer door seal

If the squeaky sound is coming from your dryer door, it could be caused by damage to the door seal/gasket. When this happens, the seal might not prevent the metal part of the door from rubbing up against the front of the dryer.

Follow these steps to check the door seal:

1. Open the dryer door.
2. Check the door seal for signs of damage or any loose debris stuck in the seal.
3. If the door seal is damaged beyond repair, replace it. If the door seal has anything stuck in it, remove the object. If the door seal is fine, check the next component.
4. Once the door seal has been replaced or you found and removed loose debris, turn your appliance on and check if the squeaky noise has stopped. If not, check the next component.

Check the dryer belt

If the squeaky noise is coming from the top of your dryer, it’s most likely the result of a defective dryer belt. The dryer belt goes around the dryer drum and helps it to rotate around when you turn your appliance on. If the belt moves out of position or gets damaged, your dryer might start to make a squeaky noise.

Follow these steps to check the dryer belt:

1. Switch the power off to your dryer.
2. Remove the top panel. This can be done by unthreading the screws that hold it in place and then it should be able to clip off.
3. Next, locate the dryer belt. Once located, carefully inspect it for any signs of damage and if it is correctly in position (including around the two pulleys).
4. If the belt is fine, you can move on to checking the next component. If damaged, replace the dryer belt.
5. To replace the belt, remove the front panel and the bulkhead from your dryer.  This can be done by disconnecting the top metal bracket and then disconnecting the wire harnesses from the door switch and the lights. The front panel should then be able to be removed (you may need to unthread a couple of screws first).
6. Next, unthread the screws that hold the bulkhead in place and then remove them.
7. Inspect the front panel for any damage. If damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
8. To remove the dryer belt, disconnect the belt from the idler and idler motor. You should then be able to remove it carefully.
9. Finally, remove the dryer drum from the dryer unit and carefully install the new belt.
10. Once installed, check if the squeaky noise has stopped. If not, check the next component.

Check the drum glide pads

The purpose of the dryer drum glide pads is to help the drum rotate around without hitting the panels. Since they are made of felt, they are prone to become worn out over time, which can cause a squeaky noise to develop when you use your dryer.

Follow these steps to check the glide pads: 

1. Make sure the power is switched off.
2. If you haven’t already, remove the dryer panels (use the instructions in the previous section above).
3. Locate the glides and inspect them for damage.
4. If damaged, replace them. If fine, check the next component.
5. Once replaced, check if the squeaky noise has stopped. If not, check the next component.

Check the idler

The purpose of the idler is to help the drum spin when the dryer is turned onto a cycle. If the idler becomes worn or damaged, it can result in a squeaky noise coming from your dryer. 

Follow these steps to check the idler: 

1. Make sure the power is switched off.
2. If you haven’t already, remove the dryer panels (use the instructions in the dryer belt section above).
3. Locate the idler and attempt to rotate it around.
4. If damaged or it can’t rotate, replace it. If fine, check the next component.
5. Once replaced, check if the squeaky noise has stopped. If not, check the next component.

Check the drum rollers

The purpose of the drum rollers is to support the drum so it can rotate around without moving out of position. If they become damaged, your dryer might rub into other components, and a squeaky noise can develop.

Follow these steps to check the drum rollers:

1. Make sure the power is switched off.
2. If you haven’t already, remove the dryer panels (use the instructions in the dryer belt section above).
3. Locate the drum rollers (there will be a minimum of 2). 
4. Once located, attempt to spin them around.
5. If they cannot spin freely or are damaged, replace them (it’s a good idea to replace all of them, even if only one is worn out). If fine, check the next component.
6. Once replaced, check if the squeaky noise has stopped. If not, check the next component.

Check the blower wheel 

The blower wheel is the final component to check if your dryer is making squeaky noise. This wheel spins around when your dryer is operated to distribute air through the drum. When it becomes damaged or loose, a squeaky noise can develop.

Follow these steps to check the blower wheel: 

1. Make sure the power is switched off.
2. If you haven’t already, remove the dryer panels (use the instructions in the dryer belt section above).
3. Locate the blower wheel and attempt to spin it around.
4. If damaged or can’t spin, replace it. If fine, you will need to get a technician to come and inspect your dryer.
5. Once replaced, check if the squeaky noise has stopped. If not, you will need to get a technician to come and inspect your dryer.