Match the noise to the next check
- Check the drum and its edges for loose objects, then check whether the dryer sits level and its feet are tight.
- After an accessible fix, try one empty cycle to see whether the noise is gone.
- Stop the check if squealing or scraping continues. Leave parts inside the cabinet to a technician.
- Don't use WD-40 on dryer parts. Its use there poses a fire risk.
The sound can help you choose a first check, but several dryer parts can make similar noises. We'd start with loose objects and the feet because you can check both without opening the cabinet. If those checks leave the squeak unresolved, stop using the dryer and arrange service.
| What you noticed | What to do next |
|---|---|
| A brief squeak at startup on a GE dryer | See whether it goes away after the first few seconds. A squeak that continues needs the checks below. |
| Squealing, squeaking or grinding with a load on a Samsung dryer | Stop the cycle and reduce the load's weight. |
| Noise with loose items in the drum | Stop the dryer and check for coins, paper clips or other metal objects. |
| Noise near the front or rear edge of the drum | With the dryer stopped, look along both edges and remove anything caught in a seam. |
| Sharp metallic scraping throughout the cycle on an LG dryer | Stop using it and arrange service. Internal parts may be worn or damaged. |
Look for something loose in the drum
Start with the places you can see. A coin or paper clip left in the drum gives you something to remove before considering a repair.
- Turn off and unplug the dryer. Put on well-fitting work gloves, then open the door and remove any coins, paper clips or other loose metal from the drum.
- Look along the front and rear edges of the drum. Remove anything caught in a seam.
- Remove the lint screen and look inside its housing for foreign objects. If you see one, use a dryer lint brush to remove it. Don't reach into the opening with bare hands because its edges can be sharp. Put the lint screen back before running the dryer.
After checking for objects, plug the dryer back in and try one empty cycle to see whether the noise persists. If the sound is gone, note whether it returns with a load. If it continues, stop the cycle, unplug the dryer and check the dryer's footing next.
Make sure the dryer sits level
An unlevel dryer can squeak. Use a level to check both directions before adjusting the feet.
- Set the level on top of the dryer from front to back and note the reading.
- Turn the level side to side and check again. With a bubble level, the bubble should sit between the center lines.
- If either direction is off, unplug the dryer before adjusting the leveling feet using your model's instructions. Recheck both directions until the dryer reads level.
On a Speed Queen dryer, turn the feet with an adjustable wrench: clockwise raises the dryer and counterclockwise lowers it. After adjusting the feet, gently push the top corners to check whether the dryer still rocks.
An even reading and a dryer that doesn't rock are the results you want. If you changed the feet, plug the dryer back in and use one empty cycle to check whether the squeak is gone. If it remains, stop the cycle, unplug the dryer and check whether the feet are loose.
A level dryer can still have loose feet
The feet can cause a squeak even when the dryer sits level. You'll need to support the dryer before reaching them.
- With the dryer unplugged, carefully pull it away from the wall.
- Tilt it back and secure it with a support object. Keep it supported while you work.
- With the dryer secured, tighten any loose feet with a wrench.
Check that the dryer still reads level and doesn't rock. If you tightened a foot, put the dryer back in place, plug it in and try one empty cycle. Stop the cycle, unplug the dryer and contact an appliance service technician if the squeak remains; the next possible causes are inside the cabinet.
Before booking, check your written warranty (opens in a new tab) and have the purchase receipt ready. It helps establish when you bought the dryer. Maytag lists a 2020 estimate of $200–$350 for an out-of-warranty dryer repair, covering parts and labor in six U.S. service markets. Ask for a current quote for the work your dryer needs.
Have these details ready when you book the repair.
Tick what applies and add details; the note above fills in as you go.
Where the sound seems to come from
Note whether the noise seemed to come from the bottom, front or back. A sound from underneath can involve loose legs or a worn motor, so its location helps describe the problem without settling which part needs work.
Screeching or ticking near the front can involve the idler pulley, which keeps tension on the drum belt. On some models, those parts sit toward the rear.
The back houses drum bearings and roller shafts that support the drum. A worn drive belt can also make noise that seems to come from the back.
When it squeaks and what it sounds like
A squeak at startup can come from a bad bearing in the idler pulley. A high-pitched, rubber-on-metal sound as the drum starts turning can point to belt wear. Tell the technician which sound you heard and whether it continued.
Screeching can also come from support rollers or drum glides. If you've noticed grinding, brown spots on clothes or clothing catching between the drum and the door, mention those signs when you book service.
The parts inside that can squeak
Once the drum and feet are checked, worn parts that support or drive the drum are possible causes. Use these clues to describe the repair request; a technician can confirm the part.
| Possible part | Clue to mention |
|---|---|
| Drive belt or idler pulley | A squeak at startup, a high-pitched sound as the drum turns, or a drum that no longer turns. |
| Drum bearings, roller shafts or support rollers | Squeaking or screeching as the drum turns, especially when it seems to come from the back. |
| Drum glides | Grinding, brown spots on clothes or clothing catching between the drum and door. |
| Motor | A loud rumble instead of a squeak, or a dryer that no longer spins or dries properly. |
Checking the belt requires removing a panel, and reaching the support rollers requires opening the cabinet and removing the drum. Leave those checks and repairs to a technician. If you're weighing repair against replacement, ask whether replacing the affected parts would resolve the problem.
Neglected vent cleaning can let lint build up on the motor and contribute to motor trouble. Keeping up with cleaning the dryer exhaust is a useful upkeep step.
Keep the WD-40 on the shelf
Rollers need proper lubrication, but reaching them takes a professional. Pulley access on modern dryers also requires disassembly, so leave that work to a technician who can use a manufacturer-approved lubricant.
If rollers are wearing down, arrange repair promptly to prevent further wear.
Other questions before you use it again
What if the drum no longer turns?
A completely broken drive belt is one possible cause. Leave belt replacement to a professional.
What if the dryer rumbles instead of squeaks?
A worn motor may make a loud rumble and needs professional assessment, especially if the dryer also stops spinning or drying properly.
Should the lint filter be in place for an empty-cycle check?
Yes. Put the lint filter back before running the dryer, and clean it before and after each cycle.
Before the next load, clean the lint filter and check the airflow path. Use our steps to clean the dryer duct when that job is due.
More in this category