If your dryer is vibrating or shaking while it runs, the problem usually comes down to worn rotating parts that let the drum wobble. The most likely culprits are a failing drive motor or motor bearings — a motor that’s wearing out often struggles to turn the drum and will make a grinding noise or squeak when the drum turns. Next to check are the drum support bearings, which will cause vibration if they are worn or scored. Worn or missing felt seals around the drum rims or bulkheads can let the drum shift and rub, and a stuck or worn idler pulley or idler assembly can let the belt run unevenly and amplify vibration. Look for noisy bearings, a motor shaft that does not turn freely by hand, felt pieces hanging loose, or an idler pulley that won’t spin. If you need a replacement, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact drive motor, bearing, felt seal, idler pulley, or other part that fits your dryer.
01 - Universal Dryer Drive Motor
A drive motor that is wearing out will be unable to rotate the dryer drum efficiently, resulting in the dryer vibrating or shaking during operation. As the motor bearings began to wear out, the drive motor will often make a grinding noise. If the motor is noisy or the motor shaft does not turn freely by hand, the component should be replaced.
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A dryer motor that is wearing out will be unable to rotate the drum efficiently, resulting in the dryer vibrating or shaking during operation. As the motor bearings began to wear out, the motor will often make a grinding noise. If the motor is noisy or the motor shaft does not turn freely by hand, the component should be replaced.
A worn drum support bearing will interfere with the smooth rotation of the dryer drum which can cause the appliance to vibrate or shake during operation. A support bearing the shows excessive wear or damage will need to be replaced to fix the problem.
Felt seals can be found on the front or rear bulkhead of the dryer or on the front and back rims of the drum itself. A worn or missing felt seal can interfere with the dryer drum rotating smoothly, resulting in the appliance vibrating or shaking during operation. Inspect the felt seal or seals for wear or damage and replace as necessary.
A worn or stuck idler pulley may be unable to smoothly allow the drive belt to rotate the drum efficiently, resulting in the appliance vibrating or shaking. Inspect the pulley for any wear or damage and confirm it rotates freely. If the pulley shows signs of damage or doesn't turn easily it should be replaced.
A worn or stuck idler assembly may be unable to smoothly allow the drive belt to rotate the drum efficiently, resulting in the appliance vibrating or shaking. Inspect the idler assembly for any wear or damage and confirm the pulley rotates freely. If the assembly shows signs of damage or the pulley doesn't turn easily the idler assembly should be replaced.