Tumble Dryer Making Loud Noise
If your tumble dryer is making a loud noise, the type of sound is the most useful clue to identifying the cause. Squealing, rumbling, banging and rattling all point to different faults, some of which can be resolved at home while others require a qualified engineer.
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Why Is My Tumble Dryer Making a Loud Noise?
The type of noise your tumble dryer is making is the most useful clue to identifying the cause. Different sounds point to different faults — a squealing noise is very different from a banging or rattling sound. Use the guide below to identify your noise type and its most likely cause.
Common Causes
Squealing or squeaking — worn drum glides or bearings
A high-pitched squealing that occurs throughout the cycle is usually caused by worn drum glides or drum support bearings. The drum glides are small plastic or felt pads that the front of the drum rests on — they wear down over time and cause friction noise when dry.
Rumbling or grinding — worn rear drum bearing
A deep rumbling or grinding noise, particularly when the drum is turning, indicates that the rear drum bearing has worn. This will worsen over time and should be addressed promptly.
Banging or thumping — item in the drum
A repetitive banging that occurs with each rotation of the drum is often caused by a heavy item such as a shoe, a belt buckle or a zip catching on the drum interior. Check inside the drum for any items that may be causing the noise.
Rattling — foreign object in the drum or filter housing
A loose rattling noise can be caused by a small object such as a coin or button that has escaped from a pocket and is rattling around in the drum or filter housing.
Squealing during startup — worn drive belt
A squealing noise that occurs particularly when the drum starts to turn can indicate a worn or slipping drive belt.
Loud vibration — machine not level
If the machine is not sitting level on the floor, it will vibrate and rattle against surrounding surfaces. Check that all four feet are in firm contact with the floor.
Checks To Try Before Calling An Engineer
Check inside the drum
Remove all laundry and inspect the inside of the drum for any loose items such as coins, buttons or other objects. Also check the lint filter housing for debris.
Clean the lint filter
A heavily blocked lint filter can cause unusual noises as airflow is restricted through the machine. Clean the filter thoroughly.
Check the machine is level
Use a spirit level on top of the machine and adjust the levelling feet as needed to ensure it is sitting level on all four feet.
Reset the machine
Unplug the appliance from the mains and wait at least two minutes. Plug back in and retry the cycle.
When To Contact A Professional
If the noise persists after the above checks — particularly if it is a squealing, rumbling or grinding noise — the drum glides, rear bearing or drive belt are likely worn and will need to be diagnosed and replaced by a qualified engineer. These are internal mechanical components that should only be accessed by trained professionals.
Related Tumble Dryer Fault Guides
Tumble Dryer Drum Not Spinning
Tumble Dryer Stopping Mid-Cycle
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