Everybody loves their clothes dryer and probably couldn’t imagine living without one. It allows you to quickly, efficiently, and effectively dry your clothes in a reasonable amount of time at any given moment. We know there’s nothing more disappointing than finding that your dryer has started to give off an annoying squeaking noise during operation. You’re also worried about whether that squeaking could lead to bigger problems or even a complete breakdown.
For many years, the experts at Alpha Tech Appliance have been repairing all makes and models of dryers across the Greater Toronto Area. No matter where you live or what kind of dryer you have, our appliance repair technicians are standing by to provide our valuable service to you, quickly and for an affordable price.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the advice collected by our very own technicians to help clients troubleshoot issues with their squeaking dryer. But it’s important to remember that all dryers are different, and require different tools or processes to repair them. There’s also a big difference between electric dryers and gas dryers that not all homeowners may be equipped to deal with. But that’s why working with Alpha Tech Appliance is preferable because all of our technicians are licensed and certified to work on makes and models of this appliance.
So you’re asking, why is my dryer squeaking? And how can I fix the noise before it drives me crazy? Let’s look at the possible issues and some troubleshooting strategies that you can try on your own at home.
What to do if Your Dryer Is Squeaking
Is your dryer making squealing noises? That doesn’t necessarily mean that your dryer is damaged. For example, if there was some loose subfloor beneath the dryer, that may be the source of the squeaking caused by unwanted vibrations. In this case, replacing the subfloor may easily fix the problematic squeak. Additionally, if your dryer is overloaded or the floor is not level, this could also cause your dryer to uncontrollably squeak during operation.
And as our professional dryer installation technicians at Alpha Tech Appliance will tell you, an improperly installed dryer vent hose could easily cause the squeaking noise that drives you mad. There are also other things to consider such as loose pieces of change and other objects that could be caught in the lint trap and rattle around or make other noises. That’s why it’s important to know the troubleshooting tips so you can avoid a potentially unnecessary house call from your favourite appliance repair team.
What Causes a Squeaky Dryer While Running
If your dryer is squeaking or your dryer is making weird noises, there could be several factors at play. You could be looking at a motor that’s past its prime, missing or worn-out glide bearings, or possibly a dryer belt that’s very old and/or damaged. But when you pair up with the experienced appliance repair technicians at Alpha Tech Appliance, you’re guaranteed a repairperson who knows exactly how to fix these issues.
Dryer Belt
You might have an issue with a squeaky dryer drum which has to do with the belt. Around the outside of the dryer tub is a rubber belt. This is your integral dryer belt which is linked to the motor and secured to the tub with wires and screws. If you notice a squeaky noise coming from your dryer, your dryer belt may be loose instead of snuggly fastened to the exterior of the tub. If your dryer belt is loose, you will have to replace the part entirely.
But how do you determine if this is the issue with your dryer? To see the dryer belt that’s fastened around the tub, you’ll need to open the dryer’s lid. You’ll notice if it’s loose or not right away. A loose belt means you must buy a new part and replace it. It’s as simple as undoing some screws and unhooking the part from the attachment wires. It should be easy to load in a new belt. Just be sure that you’ve fastened it securely around the tub. If you have a firm installation with no wiggle, you shouldn’t hear the squeaking anymore.
Idler Pulley
If you use your clothes dryer a lot, eventually the idler pulley is going to wear. It often becomes loose and that is what creates the unpleasant squealing or squeaking sound that you’re trying to get rid of. The motor and dryer belt often make close contact with the idler pulley so it is under a lot of pressure to perform consistently under harsh conditions.
Once you open up the dryer, you should be able to see what the idler pulley looks like. If it’s just loose you can easily remedy the situation with a few turns of a screwdriver and mount it back into place. But if the pulley has broken loose, you will likely need to replace the part entirely.
Glide Bearing
Another issue with your squeaky dryer could be some worn-out or malfunctioning glide bearings. Often made from plastic or fabric and attached to the outside of the tub, these glide bearings provide a buffer zone between the sides of the machine and the tub. If one of the bearings starts to wear out, the resulting friction with the sides of the dryer could be enough to cause your annoying squeaky dryer noises.
To fix the issue, you’ll need to remove the entire tub from the rest of the machine so you can access the bearings. The old ones should detach very easily making it a quick job to replace them. If you aren’t comfortable with breaking your dryer down into so many pieces, it’s a good idea to call up a professional appliance repair technician to help you get it sorted.
Troubleshooting Tips for Dryer Squeaking Noises
Before you set out to diagnose your squeaky dryer, it’s important to know some important steps to follow so you can maximize safety and increase your chances of successfully identifying and fixing the problem with your dryer.
Gather Your Tools
The tools you need to get this job done can be found in nearly every homeowner’s basic toolbox. That includes a screwdriver to get the dryer open, in addition to pliers or a clamp to help you diagnose potential issues with the motor. A crescent wrench often proves valuable too, should you need to remove parts to clean or replace them.
- Crescent wrench
- Spackle knife
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Clamps
- Pliers
Turn Dryer Off
Before you attempt to open up the dryer to inspect the potential causes of that awful squeaking noise, you should unplug the unit from the wall to avoid risk of electric shock or electrocution while you’re working on the appliance.
Move Dryer to Open Space
Drag your dryer to the middle of the room if possible. When you’re diagnosing issues with a clothes dryer, it helps to be able to view the appliance from all angles.
You’ll also likely need some additional elbow room to access certain parts and fasteners with your tools.
Remove Lint Trap and Lid
Now, it’s time to use your spackle knife. Take the knife and use it as a wedge to push open the dryer’s lid. There should be two clips holding it all in place that must be nudged over a bit by your spackle knife.
Once you’ve opened the lid, you’ll likely be able to detach the lint trip and lid as well just by using a screwdriver. This should make it all easier to access the various parts of the dryer.
Look for Damage or Missing Parts
Now it’s the time to survey the inside of your dryer for missing or damaged parts that could use replacing, to get rid of that squeaky noise once and for all.
Why Choose Alpha Tech Appliances For the Repair of Squeaky Dryer
Even though some homeowners might be able to fix a simple dryer issue on their own, many don’t have the time or desire to mess around with their appliances. At Alpha Tech Appliance, we understand that you have a busy life. That’s why we’re proud to offer flexible scheduling for our service calls. Our work is also backed up by an industry-leading warranty on all of our work.
Working on an electric or gas dryer can be a dangerous job. That’s why we always recommend working with technicians who are fully licensed and insured to work on every make and model of dryer. Just like the ones we employ at Alpha Tech Appliance. Our team is always up-to-date on the latest safety codes and regulations. We only use the highest quality parts when repairing your dryer or other appliances.
Every appliance repair person that we hire at Alpha Tech Appliance is determined to deliver the best custom service possible and fix your issue as soon as possible so you can get back to doing the important things. No matter if it’s a broken dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, stove or microwave, our talented technicians do it all.
Contact Alpha Tech Appliance today to book your appointment.