Why is my dryer squeaking?
By Jordana Weiss•Last updated Jul 27, 2023
Last updated Jul 27, 2023
Table of Contents
- 1. Your dryer isn’t level.
- 2. Your dryer needs to be cleaned.
- 3. Belts or pulleys inside your dryer need to be replaced.
- 4. Your dryer’s drum bearings need to be replaced or lubricated.
- 5. Your dryer’s motor is worn out.
- How to fix a squeaky dryer
- How much does it cost to fix a squeaky dryer?
- Find a dryer repair professional on Thumbtack.
- FAQs
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Are you noticing a persistent noise every time you try to run your dryer? If so, you're not alone. “Why does my dryer squeak?” is a question appliance pros hear regularly.
There are a few reasons why your dryer may be squeaking. Usually, this indicates that a part has worn out, your dryer needs to be cleaned or your dryer has become unbalanced. There may also be other issues at play that are challenging for the average homeowner to fix on their own.
In this article, we break down some of the more likely reasons why your dryer is squeaking and what types of repairs may be needed.
1. Your dryer isn’t level.
Ideally, your dryer should be installed completely level on a flat surface. However, it’s not uncommon for a dryer to settle over time and become unlevel. When that happens, it may wobble and squeak until it’s leveled again.
To fix this issue, use a level to check your dryer’s placement. If it isn’t evenly level, adjust the dryer legs until it is.
This is usually a quick DIY fix, but you may need to call a pro if you can’t get the placement right or if the dryer is too heavy to manage on your own.
2. Your dryer needs to be cleaned.
Cleaning your dryer can help reduce squeaking or squealing noises caused by lint or debris buildup. Check the lint trap and clean it out thoroughly. Then clean around the door and anywhere else you can reach.
If the dryer continues to make noise, you may need to call a pro to remove the back panel and clean the dryer’s interior.
3. Belts or pulleys inside your dryer need to be replaced.
Your dryer is a complex machine that relies on a variety of belts and pulleys to power the motor. If one of these parts wears out, it can create an unpleasant noise until it is replaced.
Unless you’re a serious DIY enthusiast, we don’t recommend attempting this yourself. You could void your warranty or damage the dryer even further.
4. Your dryer’s drum bearings need to be replaced or lubricated.
The drum inside your dryer spins with the help of bearings, which can wear out or lose lubrication over time. This can cause an unpleasant noise, typically coming from the back of your dryer. This is another fix best left to the pros.
5. Your dryer’s motor is worn out.
Once your dryer has reached the end of its useful life, one of the first things to give out is the motor. If your dryer’s motor is on its last legs, it could make a squeaking noise that signals it isn’t working as it should.
How to fix a squeaky dryer
Typically, fixing a dryer that’s making unusual noises starts by answering the question, “Why is my dryer squeaking?” By identifying the source of the noise, you can figure out the best way to fix it. Start with these two steps:
- First, give your dryer a thorough cleaning. Removing excess lint buildup can rule that out as a cause.
- If your dryer is still squeaking, check it with a level to see whether it has become unbalanced. If your dryer is no longer level, try adjusting the dryer legs yourself.
How much does it cost to fix a squeaky dryer?
There are many factors that affect how much it costs to repair a squeaky dryer. Typically, you can expect to pay a fixed rate for a service call. From there, the cost will depend on how long the repair takes and whether any special equipment or replacement parts are required.
To save money, try cleaning your dryer and checking that it’s level on your own first. If the squeak persists, call in the pros.
To make sure you’re getting the best deal possible, reach out to a few appliance service specialists in your area and compare their quotes.
Find a dryer repair professional on Thumbtack.
If your dryer is squeaking, you’ll need to call a professional with experience in dryer repairs. These jobs typically fall under appliance or dryer repair. These pros deal with these issues every day and are skilled at troubleshooting even the most complex dryer repair tasks.
FAQs
Is it safe to use a squeaky dryer?
It’s not a good idea to use a squeaky dryer until you’ve determined the cause of the issue. Continuing to use it could make the problem worse and make the eventual fix more difficult and more costly.
How do you lubricate dryer bearings?
If your dryer bearings require lubrication, that’s another common cause of dryer squeaking. Most manufacturers don’t recommend lubricating dryer bearings yourself, so hire an appliance pro to help with this essential maintenance task.
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