Why Is My Dryer Making Noise?

Q: My dryer is making strange noises—banging, squealing, scraping, or rattling. What causes a noisy dryer, and is it safe to keep using it?

A: A noisy dryer can be caused by worn drum rollers, a failing belt, loose components, foreign objects, or a bad motor. Most noises indicate a part that is wearing out and may fail if the dryer continues running. Some noises are minor, while others are early warnings of larger mechanical issues.

Here’s a guide to common dryer noises and what they mean, based on what Beacon’s friendly technicians in the yellow polo shirt see most often.

For more help, visit the Dryer Help Center.

1. Banging or Thumping Noise

Most likely cause: Worn drum rollers

Drum rollers support the drum as it spins. When they wear out or become flat, the drum thumps every time it rotates.

Signs:

• Banging or “thud-thud” sounds
• Noises get louder with heavy loads
• Drum feels loose when spun by hand

Rollers usually need to be replaced as a set because when one fails, the others follow shortly after.

2. Squealing or Screeching Noise

Most likely cause: Worn idler pulley or belt

The idler pulley keeps tension on the dryer belt. When the pulley wears out, it begins to squeal.

Other causes include:

• Dry or worn drum glides
• Belt rubbing on a damaged part

Squealing is one of the earliest signs a belt system is ready to fail.

3. Grinding or Scraping Noise

Most likely cause: Drum glides worn down

Drum glides are small pads that help the drum spin smoothly. When they wear out, metal starts scraping against metal.

Safety note: This can create heat and damage the drum permanently, so stop using the dryer if you hear scraping.

4. Rattling Noise

Possible causes:

• Loose blower wheel
• Loose screws or panels
• Objects in the drum (coins, zippers, buttons)
• Debris in the blower housing

Banging in rhythm? That almost always points to something stuck in the drum baffles—like change, a screw, or a metal object.

5. Humming With No Start

If your dryer hums but won’t start, the issue may be:

• A failing motor
• A jammed blower wheel
• A bad capacitor (in models that use one)

This is commonly accompanied by a burning smell or shutdown mid-cycle. Turn off the dryer and schedule service immediately.

6. When the Noise Gets Worse Over Time

Dryer noises do not fix themselves. Most noise-related failures worsen because worn parts create friction, heat, and motor strain.

Ignoring a noise can lead to:

• Broken drum belt
• Burned motor
• Damaged drum
• Blower wheel failure

If your dryer is getting louder over time, service is strongly recommended.

7. When to Call Beacon

If your dryer is making an unusual noise, Beacon’s friendly technicians in the yellow polo shirt can diagnose the cause by inspecting:

• Drum rollers and axles
• Idler pulley and belt
• Drum glides and bearings
• Motor and blower wheel
• Lint buildup around moving parts

We’ll identify the issue, explain what failed, and help you restore safe, quiet operation.

More helpful dryer topics:

• Why Is My Dryer Not Heating?
• Why Is My Dryer Taking Too Long to Dry?
• What Causes a Burning Smell From My Dryer?
• Dryer Help Center