Detecting the actual reason why your dryer keeps squeaking is more difficult and time-consuming compared to repairing the unit itself. There are several reasons why your dryer is making that squeaking sound ranging from a faulty drive belt, unlubricated bearings, or roller wheels, to a motor problem. Here in this article, you will learn how to fix why is my dryer squeaking problem all by yourself. Read on!
A squeaking dryer may need a minor or major repair as the case may be, or in some cases, a replacement of the unit with a new one is necessary. You need to identify where the noise is coming from either from the bottom, front, or back of the unit as knowing the exact location can help you determine the cause of the problem.
A squeaking sound coming from a dryer can be very noisy and frustrating. I’m sure you want to get it done as fast as possible. To fix the problem of why is my dryer squeaking, ensure you have screwdrivers, work gloves, and a putty knife. Continue reading to discover how you can stop a dryer from making squeaking noises.
Check out the common causes of why is my dryer squeaking below, and also discover when and how to fix a squeaky dryer all by yourself and when it might be time to involve a professional.
Why Is My Dryer Squeaking?
There are a few common reasons why your dryer makes such a loud squeaking noise, whether you have a gas or electric dryer. Over time, as you use electronics, it’s typical for parts to wear out from continuous usage, and it’s not necessarily dangerous. Interestingly, most new parts are quite easy to detect and install.
The squeaking sound may be caused by the following; worn rear drum mount bearings, worn out tub support roller, worn out belt idler pulley, worn front glides or felt, worn blower squirrel cage bearings, or even worn drive motor bearings.
Most squeaks from your dryer are drum-related, implying that the issue has to do with the front glides, rear support rollers, bearing, felt, or idler pulley. Other reasons why your dryer is squeaking are:
The dryer bearings and motor are faulty
Once you have a defective motor, this is usually quickly identified by squeaking or grinding sounds and not by a burning smell as many think. Also, if the squeaking sound is coming from behind the dryer, then a faulty motor or bad bearings may be the issue.
Once your dryer is diving high-pitched noises, then it shows the problem is associated with a fast-moving part of the dryer.
The drum rollers and idler pulley wheels are both often associated with these noises most times. All you need here is a little lubrication to silence your machine.
Worn Out Idler Pulley
Both gas and electric dryers come designed with idler pulleys. Idler pulleys (also known as tensioning pulleys) help to minimize wear and tear on other integral parts by taking some of the pressure off the drive belt.
Once you have a worn-out dryer idler pulley, your dryers will often make squeaking sounds while running. The dryer idler pulley is designed to transfer energy from the motor to the dryer belt. Therefore, once this part is worn out it will make a lot of noise because of friction that might eventually break down the unit over time.
Defective Motor
The motor in a dryer has sealed ball or roller bearings that help it to operate quietly and smoothly even after many years of usage! The motor is designed to reduce friction and also assist to prevent the motor from overheating.
Dryer motors that spin the drum can be placed in two different types of dryers: the direct-drive and belt drive. A belt drive motor makes use of a pulley that turns a set of pulleys on the drum, while the direct-drive motor spins the drum directly, without the assistance of a belt.
Blower Wheel or Fan is faulty
The blower fan or wheel is the power source of any dryer. If you have a faulty fan, you can’t spin your clothes to get dry, all you will be able to do is simply bring them out like that to simply hang them on the line.
The blower fan takes in air and pushes it via the drum, causing your clothes to tumble around on a roller. A heat sensor alerts the microprocessor when to switch the heating element on. It cycles on and off during the drying process to maintain an ideal temperature.
Faulty Drive Belt
In case your dryer is having issues turning the tumbler which is making it give a squeaking sound, then the first thing to do is check the belt that transfers power from the motor to the tumbler.
The drive belt connects to both the motor and tumbler on your dryer, sending torque to them both. Once your belt is defective, it can cause some issues with your laundry drying process and also cause a squeaking sound.
Damaged Felt Seal
If you have a front loader dryer, the felt seal is an important element on the door that prevents lint buildup and air from moving through the machine, which helps reduce the number of minutes spent on drying.
On some models, the seal wraps the edge of the drum cylinder while on other models, it runs along the front seam of the machine.
Faulty Lifters or Baffles
The lifters or baffles are an ideal combination for an energy-efficient dryer. They are built with durable plastic or metal and they are usually installed in the drum.
As the drum rotates, the baffles lift and tumble your clothes, uniformly distributing heat throughout the drum, exposing it to heated air. This makes your clothes get dried much faster, saving you money on electricity costs.
Squeaking Noise coming from the bottom of the dryer
Getting to know the exact place where the squeaking noise is coming from on your dryer saves you time and money as the case may be. Noises coming from the bottom of the dryer may require a repair ranging from minor causes like unfastened dryer legs to more serious issues like a worn-out motor.
To fix this issue, follow the steps below:
- Ensure that the dryer legs are level and firmly tightened.
- You level the dryer legs by placing a leveler at the top of the dryer turning from front to back, then side to side, and adjusting the legs till the leveller reads that they are uniform.
- Once the dryer legs have been levelled, tighten the legs by pulling the dryer away from the wall, tilting it back a bit, securing it with a support object, and tightening the dryer feet with a wrench.
That’s it! Now, why is my dryer squeaking problem should be solved.
Screeching Noise from the front of the dryer
The screeching noise usually originates from the front-right side of the dryer. This is often caused by a worn-out idler pulley, which puts unnecessary pressure on the dryer’s drum belt to prevent it from slipping off during a cycle.
Once you can get access to change your dryer’s idler pulley, then the remaining steps involve a straightforward but extensive process. Once the idler pulley doesn’t rotate smoothly, it usually means that a part needs an immediate replacement.
In case you need help assessing your dryer’s idler pulley location, then you can contact your dryer manufacturer or a professional. 
Is a squeaking dryer safe to use?
No, a squeaking dryer isn’t safe to use. You need to detect the exact place from where the noise is coming from so you can easily fix the issue. You might need to replace your drum bearings.
However, in case you noticed any of the aforementioned symptoms, then you might need to call your local dryer appliance repair technician.
How to Fix a Squeaky Dryer
Here are the best practical tips to fix why is my dryer squeaking issue and also to reduce noise. Follow the steps below carefully:
- Glide the dryer out from the wall far enough to reach down behind it to unplug the power cord from the wall.
- Disconnect the dryer from the power source since most dryers operate at 240 volts, working on the dryer without unplugging it out can be fatal.
- Open the dryer door and take a firm grip on the drum.
- Check for any movement from forward to back and for upward and downward movement.
- You should detect very little movement in either direction.
- A significant movement vertically indicates that the drum support rollers, rear drum bearing, or front gliders or felt are worn out and need an immediate replacement.
- Raise the top of the dryer to release the clips holding it in place by slipping the putty knife in between the front panel and the top of the dryer and pushing the two clips toward the rear of the dryer till they release.
- The two catches are located about 1 to 1 ½ inch from the right and left front corners.
- Lean the top back against the wall or on some other reliable support.
- Reach inside the dryer again and remove the two sheet metal screws at the top right and left-hand sides with a 1/4-inch nut driver.
- Lift the front panel up off the bottom supports and pull it forward till you free the drum.
- Lean the front panel against the side of the dryer, by being careful not to damage the wires attached to the door switch.
- Verify the felt seal or sliders, depending on whichever your dryer uses.
- For replacement, peel the old one off, and scrape the surface clean with the aid of a putty knife.
- Cover the surface with the adhesive that came with the new seal and then wrap the new felt seal tightly in place, holding it firmly with a “C” clamp.
- Wait for about 4 hours to allow the adhesive to dry.
- Detach the drive belt from around the drive motor pulley and slip it out from under the idler pulley.
- Pull the drum out of the dryer case.
- Check the drum support rollers in case your dryer has them, for flat spots on the circumferences, and wobble or uncontrolled looseness on their mounting pivots.
- If need be, remove the “C”-clips holding them in place and replace them with new ones.
- Slide the new support roller over the mounting shaft and tap the “C”-clip down into the shaft’s groove.
- Check the drum’s rear shaft and mounting bearing.
- In case one or two of them show excessive or unusual wear out, unscrew the old ones and replace them with a new set.
- The bearing half is fastened to the back of the dryer with two screws, while the shaft half is fastened to the back of the drum with three screws.
- Also, check the idler pulley for signs of wear. If needed, remove the old one to replace it with a new one.
- Assemble the dryer again and plug it in to test it.
That’s it! If you have followed the steps carefully above then you would have solved the problem of why is my dryer squeaking. 
Alternate ways to fix why is my dryer Squeaking Problems
Here are other troubleshooting steps to take when your dryer won’t stop squeaking:
- Change the drum support rollers with new ones.
- Ensure that the floor where the dryer is placed is even.
- Buy a new dryer that is not noisy.
- Move the dryer to an entirely different location.
- Remove any tinkling objects from all the clothes before placing them in the dryer.
- Change the belt idler pulley.
- Try and soundproof the wall behind the dryer.
- You can as well place anti-vibration pads under the dryer.
That’s it! One of the tips that should help fix the why is my dryer squeaking problems.
How do I lubricate my dryer rollers?
Follow the steps below to lubricate your dryer rollers, it’s quite straightforward:
- You can as well use grease on your bearings since it stays in place and does its job well.
- Get some emery paper to clean the shafts and then apply a general automotive grease to the shaft and bearing and then assemble again.
- You can as well just purchase a new bearing and shaft too.
That’s all about lubricating your dryer rollers. This should help fix the why is my dryer squeaking problems.
How do I lubricate my dryer bearings?
Here’s how you can lubricate your dryer bearings. Follow the steps below:
- Find the belt attached to the motor.
- Search or feel along the belt till a small wheel is located.
- The small wheel is usually attached to a shaft.
- Squeeze about 2 or 3 drops of 30-weight oil on each bearing, one at the top and one at the bottom of the shaft.
Now, you have succeeded in lubricating your dryer bearings. This should help fix the why is my dryer squeaking problems.
Is it better to fix a dryer or buy a new one?
In case you are trying to choose whether to repair or replace your dryer, you should know the lifespan of your appliance. Once the dryer is past its life expectancy, it may be more economical to replace it than try repairing it.
Is it worth it to repair a dryer?
Repairing a dryer is worth it if the appliance is less than 4 years old and its cost is less than $400. However, for older dryers or costly repairs, replacing your dryer is more cost-effective.
In case none of the fixes above worked for you or you don’t have time to try them all since they are a bit cumbersome, don’t get yourself worked up! A professional who knows the technical know-how would be glad to assist you to sort out the why is my dryer squeaking issue with expert dryer repair services. Don’t forget to drop your comment in the section below.