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Whirlpool Dryer makes noise

If your Whirlpool dryer is noisy when the drum turns—squeaking, grinding, or making a loud rumbling—you most likely have a worn drive belt or failing drum support rollers. A frayed drive belt will make noise as it rubs and slips; worn rollers or roller axles let the drum wobble and cause that heavy rumble. Next most likely causes are an unlevel machine that puts extra wear on bearings and glides, a clogged or loose blower wheel that rattles or wobbles, and finally a worn drum bearing that squeals or resists turning. Quick checks you can do: inspect the belt for fraying, remove the belt and turn the drum by hand to feel for rough spots or wobble, confirm the dryer sits level, and check the blower wheel and vent for obstructions. If parts are worn replace them—replace rollers and axles together as a preventative measure if one is bad. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific dryer and get step-by-step repair guidance.

01 - Whirlpool Dryer Drive Belt

The drive belt is a very long, slender belt that wraps all the way around the dryer drum, around a tension pulley, and then around the drive motor. Over time, the drive belt can become frayed or otherwise damaged. If the drive belt is frayed or damaged, the dryer will be noisy as it turns. Inspect the drive belt for signs of wear. If the drive belt is worn, replace it.
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02 - Whirlpool Dryer Drum Roller

One or more of the drum rollers might be worn out. Many dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers supporting the front of the drum. When the drum rollers are worn out, they can cause the dryer to make a loud rumbling noise. To determine if the rollers are worn out, inspect the rollers. If one or more of the rollers are severely worn, we recommend replacing all of the rollers at the same time as a preventative measure. (The roller shaft can often be reused if it is in good condition. Clean the shaft thoroughly before installing the new rollers.)
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03 - Whirlpool Dryer Drum Roller Axle

One or more of the drum roller axles might be worn out. Most dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers supporting the front of the drum. Over time, the drum rollers and axles wear out, causing the dryer to make a loud rumbling noise. To determine if the drum roller axles are worn out, remove the belt from the dryer and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, check the support rollers for wear. If the rollers spin freely without wobbling, the axles do not need to be replaced. If a roller wobbles and/or does not spin freely, we recommend repl...acing all of the axles and rollers as a preventative measure.
Highly Likely

04 - Dryer is not level

Confirm the dryer is level. A dryer that is not level can cause excessive wear on certain parts such as bearings and glides, resulting in noisy operation. If the dryer is not level, adjust the leveling legs as necessary.
Highly Likely

05 - Whirlpool Dryer Blower Wheel

The blower wheel draws air through the dryer and pushes the air out the vent. Clumps of lint, socks, and small articles of clothing can escape the lint filter and get caught in the blower wheel. If an object is caught in the blower wheel, the dryer may make noise. In addition, the blower wheel sleeve can wear out, allowing the blower wheel to wobble on the motor shaft. To determine if the blower wheel is working properly, remove the dryer vent and assess the strength of the air flow. If the air flow is weak, check the blower wheel for obstructions. If no obstructions are present, try rotating the blower wheel by hand. If t...he blower wheel wobbles as it turns, replace it.
Highly Likely

06 - Whirlpool Dryer Drum Bearing

The drum bearing supports the rear of the dryer drum. Over time, the drum bearing wears out. If the drum bearing is worn out, the dryer may make noise. To determine if the drum bearing is at fault, remove the dryer belt and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum rotates freely, it is unlikely that the drum bearing is worn out. If the drum makes squealing or grinding sounds when turned and/or is hard to turn, check the drum bearing and replace it if necessary.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dryer making a grinding noise when the drum turns?
My dryer is squeaking — what parts should I check?
Dryer making loud rumbling noise — are the drum rollers bad?
How do I check the blower wheel if my dryer is noisy or airflow is weak?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to get the right replacement part?

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