24/7/365 Emergency

Dryer Making Loud Noise?

Why is my dryer making a loud noise? Common causes, what you can check, and when to call technicians.

6-Month Warranty

24/7/365

Emergency

Service-call pricing

All tiers applied to the cost of the repair when work is done.

Standard
Most appliances + brands
$99
Luxury
High-end (Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, BlueStar, Thermador, etc.)
$125
Commercial
Walk-in coolers, commercial laundry, restaurant equipment
$175

Warranty: 6-month parts, 6-month labor. Technician quotes the repair on-site before any work.

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Common causes of dryer making loud noise

Loose Drum Rollers

importantCan DIY check

The drum in your dryer tumbles on rollers. If these become worn, cracked, or loose, they can cause thumping, squeaking, or grinding sounds.

Worn Drum Belt

importantCan DIY check

A frayed or broken drive belt can cause slapping or thumping noises as the drum struggles to turn. Sometimes, the dryer will stop tumbling altogether.

Object in Drum

minorCan DIY check

Small items like coins, buttons, or bra wires can get caught between the drum and the dryer housing, creating rattling or scraping noises.

Bad Idler Pulley

importantCan DIY check

The idler pulley keeps tension on the drum belt. If it's worn or seized, it can cause squealing or grinding sounds.

Motor Issues

criticalPro recommended

The main drive motor can develop bearing problems, leading to humming, grinding, or squealing noises. This is a more serious issue.

Blower Wheel Obstruction or Damage

importantCan DIY check

The blower wheel circulates air. If it's loose, damaged, or obstructed by debris, it can cause rattling or scraping sounds as it spins.

Quick checks you can run safely

  1. 1

    Check for Loose Objects

    Carefully inspect the inside of the dryer drum and the lint trap for any loose items like coins, buttons, or small debris. Remove anything you find.

    Safety: Ensure the dryer is unplugged before reaching into the drum.
  2. 2

    Listen to the Noise Type

    Try to identify the type of noise (e.g., thumping, squealing, grinding, rattling) and when it occurs (e.g., only when starting, constantly). This can help narrow down the cause.

  3. 3

    Check Drum Rotation

    With the dryer unplugged, try to rotate the drum by hand. Does it spin freely, or does it feel stiff or make noise? Does the belt feel loose?

    Safety: Ensure the dryer is unplugged before attempting to rotate the drum.
  4. 4

    Inspect Drum Rollers (if accessible)

    If you are comfortable removing the dryer's access panels (ensure it's unplugged first), visually inspect the drum rollers for signs of wear, cracking, or damage.

    Safety: Ensure the dryer is unplugged and all panels are securely replaced before plugging it back in.

When to call a pro right away

  • Loud grinding or metallic scraping sounds persist.

    This could indicate a failing motor or a serious issue with the drum support system that requires professional diagnosis and repair to prevent further damage.

  • The dryer makes noise but does not tumble.

    This strongly suggests a broken drive belt or a seized idler pulley, which requires disassembly to replace.

  • You suspect the motor is the source of the noise.

    Motor issues are complex and involve electrical components. Attempting DIY repair without proper training can be dangerous and may void warranties.

  • You are uncomfortable removing appliance panels or working with internal components.

    Attempting repairs beyond simple checks without the right tools or knowledge can lead to injury or further damage to the appliance.

Need help diagnosing this?

transparent service-call pricing (applied to repair). Same-day service available.

Typical repair time once diagnosed: 75 minutes

This page provides general diagnostic guidance for dryer making loud noise. Specific causes and repairs vary by appliance brand, model, and condition. For accurate diagnosis, contact a licensed appliance repair technician. Repairs involving refrigerant systems, gas lines, or high-voltage circuits require certified professionals — DIY attempts on these systems may be illegal and dangerous.

How our repair process works

Five steps from your first call to the warranty receipt. No surprises.

  1. 1

    Inspection

    Your technician examines the appliance, listens to your description, and notes the model + serial for parts lookup. Visual + audio-based diagnostics first — non-invasive.

  2. 2

    Diagnostics

    Targeted tests on the failing subsystem (compressor, control board, heating element, motor, etc.) to identify the exact root cause. You get a clear explanation, not jargon.

  3. 3

    Fix decision

    Up-front estimate before any work begins: cost, parts, and the realistic likelihood of success vs. recommending replacement on an old or uneconomical unit. You decide.

  4. 4

    Operational test

    After the repair we run the appliance through its normal cycle on-site — never "it should work now, call us if it doesn't." You sign off when it's actually working.

  5. 5

    Warranty + consultation

    Receipt with warranty terms in writing. Plus a quick walkthrough of how to extend the appliance's life (filter cleaning, drain maintenance, etc.) — included free.

What our customers say

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Sherri D'Alessandro

Sherri D'Alessandro

5 months ago
Google

Such a great company! They went above and beyond, very professional, and I will be recommending them to all my clients, friends and family!

Kevin Dvorscak

Kevin Dvorscak

9 months ago
Google

Sean was very knowledgeable and professional. He saved the day! Our dryer was no longer heating. He came out the same day and diagnosed a burnt out heating coil. He was able to get it replaced and back up and running in about an hour! Thanks again!

Bonnie Hall

Bonnie Hall

9 months ago
Google

Sean was efficient and considerate. Got our icemaker working, but also explained to me how to fix it, if it freezes. He was very knowledgeable in all things appliances any make and model!!!

Alfred Mapp

Alfred Mapp

a year ago
Google

I can't say enough about the service I received from Sean at STAR Appliance Repair fixing my dishwasher. Sean diagnosed the problem, available parts, and completed the service the following day all while giving me step by step instructions so I was aware of t…

Gidget Rao

Gidget Rao

6 years ago
Google

Our Samsung french door refrigerator had been icing up on the inside. Took a chance on this local repair company and what a blessing they were. I only had to wait 24 hours from the first call to have a repairman come to our home. I called on a Thursday to s…

Hours of Operation(all times EDT)

Mon8am–6pm EDT
Tue8am–6pm EDT
Wed8am–6pm EDT
Thu8am–6pm EDT
Fri8am–6pm EDT
Sat9am–4pm EDT
SunClosed
24/7/365 Emergency Service — live dispatcher answers around the clock. Emergency response within 4 hours in most service areas. When your appliance is down, we move fast.
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Office hours: Mon–Fri 7:30am–4:30pm EDT. Emergency dispatch available 24/7/365.

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