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HomeRepair HelpKenmore Dryer RepairKenmore Dryer vibrating or shaking Repair
Kenmore Dryer vibrating or shaking
If your Kenmore dryer is vibrating or shaking while it runs, the most likely cause is a failing drive motor or motor bearings that can no longer spin the drum smoothly; a worn motor often makes a grinding noise or squeaking and the motor shaft may not turn freely by hand. Next most likely is a worn drum support bearing that lets the drum wobble as it turns. Worn or missing felt seals on the drum or bulkhead can also cause rubbing and vibration, and a stuck or worn idler pulley or idler assembly that won’t let the belt track smoothly can produce additional vibration and a dryer making noise when the drum turns. Check for noisy bearings, felt damage, and a pulley that doesn’t rotate freely before replacing parts. If you need the replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact parts that fit your dryer and get step-by-step guidance for a confident repair.
01 - Kenmore 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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02 - Kenmore Dryer Motor
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.
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03 - Kenmore Dryer Drum Support Bearing
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.
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04 - Kenmore Dryer Felt Seal
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.
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05 - Kenmore Dryer Idler Pulley
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.
Highly Likely
06 - Kenmore Dryer Idler Assembly
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.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer vibrating or shaking when the drum turns?
My dryer is making a grinding noise when the drum turns. What parts should I check?
How can I tell if the drum support bearing, felt seal, or idler pulley is causing the shaking?
Can I replace parts like the drive motor, idler pulley, or felt seal myself and what tools do I need?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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