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RCA Dryer makes noise

If your RCA dryer makes noise when the drum turns, the most likely culprit is a worn drive belt that has become frayed or damaged and is slipping or rubbing as the drum rotates. After the belt, worn drum rollers and their axles are common causes of loud rumbling or grinding noises, so remove the belt and spin the drum by hand to check for wobble or resistance. A dryer that is not level can accelerate wear on rollers and bearings, so confirm the feet are adjusted. Check the blower wheel next for trapped lint or small items and for a wobbling sleeve that can make a grinding or squeaking sound. Finally, a worn drum bearing will make hard-to-turn, grinding noises and should be replaced if it binds or squeals when you rotate the drum. These checks give a clear order of likely fixes and parts to inspect. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer and get the right belt, roller, axle, blower wheel, or bearing for the job.

01 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 grinding noise?
Why is my dryer squeaking when the drum turns?
Dryer making noise when drum turns — what should I check first?
My dryer drum not turning — could that cause loud or unusual noises?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?