Is A Squeaky Dryer Dangerous? Causes + Solution

We’ll look at what leads a dryer to squeak, so, Is A Squeaky Dryer Dangerous? And how to fix it in this post. Is your dryer making a lot of noise? Is the noise made only when it first starts, once it warms up, or all the time?

Is A Squeaky Dryer Dangerous?

In most cases, noisy dryers won’t result in a fire in the dryer. There is no typical wear and tear on a dryer. It usually means a component must be repaired since it is worn out. To start, attempt to pinpoint where the noise is coming from the top, rear, front, or bottom (and ensure it isn’t coming from the floor).

If you’re hesitant to use your dryer because of the annoying noise it makes or because you’re frightened it’ll break, here are some recommendations that should help. A worn rear drum component, tub support roller, worn belt, idler pulley, glides or felt going out, motor bearing dying, or whatever linked to the drum’s movement might all cause squeaking in a dryer.

The majority of parts are less expensive than a new dryer and are not difficult to replace. After you’ve finished reading, you’ll have a better idea of What’s Causing The Squeaking? How to correct it, and whether you should do it yourself or hire a pro.

What Could Be Causing My Dryer To Squeak?

Because a dryer is such a useful household appliance, when it breaks down, laundry accumulates up. The dryer features a rotating metal or plastic drum that tumbles the wet garments. The parts that turn the drum, whether belt-driven or direct-drive, might cause the dryer to squeal.

The noise could, however, be caused by the various components that support the drum and allow it to revolve freely. Here are the parts to look for if your dryer is squealing or loudly squeaking, as well as the reasons for the noise and a possible cure.

Bearings For Drums

The rear support shaft & drum bearing support & rotate the drum at the back. Plastic, nylon, aluminum, ball bearings, spindle & sleeve, ball & socket, bushings, or a mixture of these are used by different manufacturers.

The bearing is positioned in the center of the drum’s rear, with one part attached to the drum’s back and the other to the cabinet’s back support frame. Squeaking, grinding, or screeching drum bearings are common. The noise will continue until the drum stops spinning, and the motor may struggle to revolve the drum.

Motor

The dryer motor is equipped with a sealed ball or roller bearings, allowing for low friction operation. The shaft of dryer motors has a pulley that pulls a belt that turns the drum. Some, on the other hand, are direct-drive motors, which spin the drum without the need of a driving belt.

Bearings will squeak or squeal if they dry out or get worn, regardless of the type. If the motor goes off for a length of time to cool down and then cycles back on, you know it’s the motor. The motor will stop working if the bearings seize.

Glides For Drums

Depending on the type, worn drum glides may screech, clang, or grind. The drum’s open front end is supported by the glides, which allow it to turn smoothly by the front cabinet. Glides come in a variety of forms, including sticky felt strips with plastic or nylon pads, metal hooks with felt and nylon pads, and detachable plastic cowls. Brown specks or stains from drying out and degrading felt are a strong sign that the glides need to be changed.

Fan Or Blower Wheel

The blower fan is a vaned wheel or impeller made of plastic, nylon, or metal that sucks air into the dryer and heats it. The hot air is forced through the drum and then out the vent by the fan. The blower is powered by the dryer’s motor shaft. Over time, the blower may accumulate lint or dirt, causing the fan to wear or damage and generating a thumping or screeching noise.

Belt Drive

A long, thin flat rubber loop serves as the driving belt. It wraps around the drum cylinders outside and the motor pulley. The engine in the dryer spins the pulley, which spins the belt and turns the tub when you turn it on. As frayed pieces of the belt hit or feather the drum, a worn belt may generate a thumping or whooshing sound. The belt will creak if it is slipping at the pulley.

Support Rollers For Drums

The main weight is generally supported by four drum support rollers, although a dryer is maintained at the back with both the drum bearings and the front with drum glides. They’re under the drum at 5 and 7 o’clock, with two near the back & two near the front. The rollers resemble rubber wheels with a center bearing.

A bolt or shaft secures the bearing to a bracket by passing through it. As the dryer heats up or with larger loads, the supporting rollers may begin washing and squeak continuously or occasionally if the bearings or rubber wear out.

Pulley Or Idler Wheel For A Motor

The idler pulley is a spring-loaded wheel with a plastic, metal, or nylon wheel that gives tension to the driving belt. The wheel is also equipped with a bearing that allows it to spin with minimal friction.

A squealing or squeaking noise might be caused by a worn pulley or bearing. The sound may evolve into scraping or thumping sounds over time. Remove the intermediate wheel from the belt and carefully spin it; if it does not spin freely, replace it.

Seal Of Felt

On some types, the felt seal also wraps around the front edge of the drum cylinder. It covers the seams where the cylinder’s ends meet the drum’s top and bottom. The felt prevents abrasion and limits unheated airflow entering the drum by cushioning the moving piece or stationary housing.

When the seal dries out and becomes shiny, the drum turns, making a screeching dryer noise. If worn through, it may also thump or make a metallic scraping sound. Clothes that have brushed against the uncovered or worn seal edge may become trapped in the gap or even have brown or black streaks.

Baffles Vs Lifters

Baffles are inside-the-drum vanes made of molded plastic or metal. The clothing is lifted and tumbled as the drum turns, increasing their exposure to the warm air. Some lifters are detachable and might make a squeaking sound when they move the garments. The tumble between baffles may allow the drum to move within the drive belt, causing it to squeak if the load is heavy.

Is Using A Squeaky Dryer Safe?

Something is wrong if your dryer makes a squeak or screech that isn’t normal. If you can stand the noise, finish the load, and check the owner’s manual or a professional appliance repair service. The more you use a screaming dryer, the more likely you are to do further damage.

When an electrical appliance, such as a car, is turned on, it makes a ‘normal’ sound. It’s cause for concern if or when it starts generating a strange sound. There are eleven different causes of a dryer creaking, and practically all of them necessitate the replacement of a component. Order the parts and save the cost of a service call if you can diagnose the issues and feel confident in your ability to complete the repair.

When Should Your Dryer Be Replaced?

Imagine you’ve looked around for a technician and received several estimates. You tried to fix it yourself but failed miserably. If the squeaking has worsened following repairs, or if your dryer is becoming increasingly brittle, it may be time to replace it.

If the cost of repairs surpasses the cost of a replacement, this is a strong indication that you need to replace your dryer. If your dryer is more than ten years old, you should start thinking about replacing it. The majority begins to approach that age, with only a handful making it through the 15-year threshold.

Is A Squeaking Dryer Safe To Use?

There is less chance that a dryer’s squeaking noise will start a fire. There is no way that a squeaky dryer could be the result of regular wear and tear. It’s a sign of a worn item that requires replacing or fixing. If you hear a squeak, check to see if it’s coming from the ceiling, the rear, the front, or the floor before proceeding.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Noisy Dryer?

Depending on the issue, repairing a noisy dryer can cost anywhere between $75 and $450. A noisy dryer might have several potential causes, some of which are simpler and less expensive to fix than others. The belt and bearings might be a problem, which can be fixed for not too much money.

Conclusion

Here we conclude all about Is A Squeaky Dryer Dangerous? While a squeaky dryer isn’t ideal, the majority of the issues that cause it won’t turn your machine into a mechanical fire risk. If anything, it’s a sign that you should finish that last load of clothes, air-dry for a while, and then focus on obtaining your dryer fixed.

You shouldn’t use a dryer that makes strange noises since it could cause further harm and cost you more money in the long run. Your dryer may be making such noises for a variety of reasons, but the majority of the time; it’s due to the mechanics of your drum.

It could be the bearings in your drum, the support rollers, the belt, or a combination of these components. The majority of faults can be resolved simply by replacing parts. Calling a repairman or doing a DIY diagnostic is the best approach to deal with squeaky.

Then, as soon as possible, resolve the issue. If you suspect your dryer is nearing the end of its life cycle and needs replacing, do yourself a favor and look at the numbers before making a decision. You might discover that rapid treatment is the better option.

Frequently Asked Questions