Dryer Squeaking? How to Fix Noises (GE, Samsung, Whirlpool & More)

Is your dryer making a high-pitched squeak or thumping noise? Learn how to diagnose and fix a squeaky dryer for every major brand including GE, Amana, and Frigidaire. Use our Sound ID Chart to find the culprit fast!

Dryer Noise Diagnostic Chart

Manual Spin Test: Also called the Power Off Spin. Test the dryer by spinning the drum by hand while the dryer is unplugged. If it squeaks without power, it’s a mechanical drum component (roller/bearing). If it only squeaks when the motor is on, it’s more likely the motor or idler pulley.

Top 6 Common Causes for Dryer Squeaking

Failing Idler Pulley (Tensioner)

Both gas and electric dryers contain idler pulleys meant to reduce the wear and tear on your drive belt and other internal components. The high rotation speeds of your pulley combined with the energy transfer from other components might cause your pulley to wear out over time.

To determine whether or not your idler pulley is the cause of your dryer’s squeaking problem, you can inspect the pulley itself. The pulley is located at the bottom (or back) of the machine. Remove the access panel and inspect the pulley next to the drive motor.

If your pulley looks worn out or damaged, it’s time to replace it. You can order a new pulley online and replace it yourself with minimal effort. They are less than $20 on Amazon. Click here. Always check model number before ordering.

Note: we may receive a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you.

Drive Belt

The belt and the idler pulley work together. If the idler pulley is the “why” the belt is squealing, the belt is often the source of the noise if it has cracked. The “thump-thump-squeak” rhythm often means the belt has a chunk missing or is beginning to separate. If you have a persistently squeaky dryer until your machine warms up, your drive belt may be to blame.

In older dryers, they dry out over time and need replacing. If you have a newer machine, it might be the case that your drive belt just needs to be used a few times before it stretches enough to stop the squeaking.

How to Fix It: To check your dryer’s drive belt, remove the front panel (or lift the top panel, depending on your model), and look for signs of wear. You might notice cracks or fray along the edges. If so, it’s easy to order a new drive belt online and replace it yourself.

Worn Front Glides

Drum Slides: One common cause of a squawking dryer is related to worn out or defective drum slides, also known as drum glides. In both gas and electric dryers, drum slides made of Teflon, plastic, or nylon provide a non-abrasive surface on which the dryer drum rotates. These slides provide support on the siding of the dryer’s drum component.

How to Fix: remove the dryer’s cabinet and inspect the glides. If you notice that the slides appear to be worn out, you should replace the slides. If you notice that the slides are loose, try readjusting the slides so that they are firmly in place.

Worn Drum Support Rollers

If you’ve already checked the drum slides and you’ve determined that they are not loose, worn out, or otherwise defective, it may be time to inspect your support rollers for the dryer drum.

Both gas and electric dryers have drum support rollers meant to function as supporting shafts for the internal components. These rollers can wear out over time or might be loose from constant use. If you have a new machine, they might be squeaking because they might be over tightened.

How to Fix: Inspect your rollers for wear and tear. Be sure they are not too loose or over-tightened. If you find any issue with the drum rollers, you can order new parts online and replace them easily.

Note: If you hear a “thumping” sound that goes away after 5–10 minutes of tumbling, it’s often just a “flat spot” on the rollers caused by the dryer sitting idle with a heavy load. This is normal behavior and doesn’t usually require a repair unless the thumping is constant.

Worn Rear Drum Bearing

If your dryer is producing a squeaking noise when it is operating, it might be a result of a problem with your drum bearing.

Both gas and electric dryers use rum bearing to support the drum in several locations.

In some models, two drum bearing supports the drum in the front and back of the component. Other models have multiple (four or more) drum bearings that support the drum around its circumference. Your machine might have a ball and socket style bearing, or it might have a shaft and sleeve style bearing. See below for brand-specific notes.

How to Fix: inspect your drum bearing for signs of wear and damage. If so, it’s easy to order a new set online and replace them yourself.

Instead of buying just one squeaky roller, buy a maintenance kit (which usually includes the belt, rollers, and idler pulley). The hardest part is opening the dryer up! Replace it all while you’re in there.

Felt Drum Seal

Both gas and electric dryers use felt drum seals to prevent hot air from escaping into the room in which the dryer is located. Felt drum seals take on a lot of wear and tear over time. As the drum rotates, friction can damage the felt piece.

How to Fix: This felt seal is located beneath (or behind) the dryer drum. You can perform a quick inspection by removing the drum, or opening the back panel of your machine. If you notice that the felt drum seal is frayed excessively, is torn, or is missing altogether, it is probably time to replace the seal. You can easily order a new felt drum seal online and replace it yourself without the need to call a technician.

Loose or Damaged Blower Wheel

Both gas and electric dryers use blower wheels to move air throughout the machine to perform the task of drying a load of laundry. The plastic components of the dryer wheel can face wear and tear over time and might be the cause of squeaking in your machine.

Inspect the dryer’s housing area for components hitting the wheel. If you notice that the blower wheel is damaged or loose, you can easily fix the problem by tightening or replacing the blower wheel. Vacuum out any lint you may see during inspection.

Less Common Causes for Dryer Squeaking

Failing Drive Motor Bearings

If you have a squeaking dryer, and especially if it has a burning smell, it might be the case that your motor is the root of the problem. Both gas and electric dryers have motors that rotate the internal dryer components, which allows the machine to function.

A defective motor can cause squeaking sounds from a variety of sources including:

• a loose pulley
• a faulty motor switch
• a faulty bearing
• a faulty bushing

To determine whether or not a motor-related issue is the root cause of your squeaking dryer, you should inspect the internal components. To do so, you will need to access the motor by removing the drum belt and blower wheel.

Pro- tip: check the start capacitor (if applicable) or the centrifugal switch, as those can sometimes cause odd buzzing noises that people mistake for squeaks.

Loose Baffles or Drum Lifters

If your machine is producing a constant squeaking noise, you might need to inspect your baffle or lifter to determine if that is the root of the problem. Look at the inner surface of the drum.

These plastic pieces are attached to the sides of the drum to help your laundry rotate while the machine is functioning. They can become loose over time and lead to squeaking.

How to Fix: tighten the pieces to the drum or easily order new components online and easily replace them yourself.

Brand-Specific Troubleshooting Guide

GE & Hotpoint Dryers

GE-Specific Rear Bearing: GE’s specific rear-support design is a common failure point. The rear drum bearing (top-and-ball style) and slides can be an issue. These dryers use of high-temperature lithium grease. Do not use WD-40.

Frigidaire & Electrolux

Most common to fail are rear ball hitch and front plastic glides; focus on the rear ball hitch/junction. Frigidaire dryers often use a ball-and-hitch style bearing at the back of the drum. This requires a specific high-temp lubricant; do not use WD-40.

Samsung Dryers

Samsung dryers are notorious for a specific high-pitched squeal that comes from the idler pulley.

• The Primary Culprit: The Idler Pulley. Samsung’s original sleeve bushing design is prone to wearing out faster than the rollers. If the squeak is high-pitched and coming from the bottom right, it’s almost always the idler.
• The rear rollers on Samsung units tend to wear out faster than the front ones due to the weight distribution of the heater assembly. Roller flat-spots could also be a problem. Do not to use WD-40 on these. Samsung parts are designed to be self-lubricating; oils actually attract lint and create a grinding paste.

LG Dryers

LG dryers are generally robust, but when they fail, it is statistically likely to be a roller.

• The Primary Culprit: Drum Support Rollers (approx. 60% of noise complaints). LG rollers can develop flat spots if the dryer sits unused for a long period, causing a rhythmic thumping.
• The Blower Wheel: LG units have a higher-than-average rate of Blower Wheel noise. If the noise sounds like a vibration that changes with motor speed, check for a stripped blower wheel housing.
• The Front Glides: LG uses felt or plastic glides on the front bulkhead. If the squeal sounds like metal-on-metal “scraping,” the felt has likely worn through.

Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana and Admiral Dryers

Since Whirlpool manufactures many Maytag models, their issues are nearly identical.

• The Primary Culprit: The Rear Drum Bearing. Unlike the GE “top-and-ball,” many Whirlpool-built units use a shaft that sits in a plastic/sleeve bearing. If it hasn’t been lubricated, it will emit a piercing squeal.
• Leveling Sensitivity: Whirlpool units are particularly sensitive to being unlevel. A dryer that isn’t level front-to-back puts uneven pressure on the Roller Shafts, causing them to bend slightly and squeal.

Bosch: The European Design

Bosch dryers (especially the 24-inch ventless models) are built differently than American brands.

• The Primary Culprit: Drive Belt Misalignment. Bosch belts are often ribbed and high-tension. If the belt stretches or shifts, it creates a “whirring” or “rubbing” noise rather than a sharp squeak.
• The Rear Bearing: If a Bosch dryer makes a “grinding” noise, it is almost always the Rear Drum Bearing. These are often more labor-intensive to replace than domestic brands because the cabinet is tighter.

Kenmore Dryers

Since Kenmore doesn’t make their own appliances (they are made by Whirlpool, LG, or Frigidaire), the advice depends on the model prefix:

• Prefix 110: (Whirlpool-made) Focus on the Idler Pulley and Rollers.
• Prefix 796: (LG-made) Focus on the Rollers and Blower Wheel.
• Prefix 417: (Frigidaire-made) Focus on the Rear Ball Hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dryer Squeaking dangerous?

Although a squeaking dryer might not pose an immediate risk to your safety, it’s possible that damaged components could be dangerous if a machine is left unfixed. It’s advisable to inspect your machine and repair all components to ensure the safety of yourself and your machine.

Is it safe to use a squeaking dryer?

Although a squeaking dryer might be able to be used with little to no risk, it’s advisable to inspect your dryer components to ensure your machine is safe to use.

In some cases, the squeaking may be coming from components that are simply too tight, too loose, or worn out. But in other cases, the squeaking may be a sign that your machine is operating in a condition that might become dangerous if left unfixed.

How much does it cost to fix a squeaking dryer?

A squeaking dryer might be the result of several component failures or defects. If your machine is under warranty, you might be entitled to a free rebate, replacement, or repair.

If your machine is not under warranty, replacement parts can range from $20 to 150$ plus around 160$ for labor and visit.

Can I use WD-40 on my dryer rollers?

No, use high-temp lithium grease or none at all.