Dryer Making Loud Noises? Here’s What It Means
- T&C Appliance/HVAC Repair
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 17
Dryer Making Loud Noises? Here’s What It Means
You’re 3 minutes into drying clothes and suddenly it sounds like a freight train.
Thump. Squeal. Grind. Buzz.
You pause. You listen. You hope it stops.
Spoiler - it won’t.
Now you’re standing there, 11 PM, wondering if your dryer is about to explode, burn down the house, or just annoy you into insanity.
Let’s break down what these noises mean — and what you can do right now before it gets worse.
Dryer Making Loud Noises? Here’s What It Means
Dryer Making Loud Noises? Here’s What It Means
Noise 1 Thumping
Sounds like A shoe in the drum, or a basketball bouncing.Likely Cause
Worn-out drum rollers
Something stuck in the drum seam
Unbalanced load (especially heavy towels or bedding)
What to try
Open the dryer and spin the drum by hand — does it thump?
Remove bulky items and run it empty
Still thumping? Those rollers are probably toast.
Noise 2 Squealing or Screeching
Sounds like: Metal on metal. Like a banshee’s last scream.Likely Cause:
Worn drum bearing or belt
Bad idler pulley
Motor on its way out
What to try
Does the noise get louder with more weight?
Try spinning the drum manually — is there resistance or noise?
Warning: Squealing can lead to total failure fast. Don’t wait.
Noise 3 Grinding or Rattling
Sounds like Something’s broken loose inside
Likely Cause
Foreign object in blower wheel
Broken fan blades
Loose screws or broken glides
What to try
Shine a flashlight through the vent or lint trap
Look for coins, bobby pins, screws — they love hiding in there
If the noise speeds up with the drum, it’s likely internal
Noise 4 Buzzing or Humming
Sounds like A mosquito stuck in a speaker
Likely Cause
Motor trying to start but failing
Capacitor issue
Relay or switch failing
What to try
Does it buzz but not spin? Unplug it. That’s an electrical problem.
Smell burning? Definitely stop and call someone.
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