Why is My GE Dryer Squeaking [SOLVED] – Let’s Fix It

A squeaky GE dryer can be a nuisance, especially when you’re in the middle of a load. However, there are many reasons why your dryer may be making noise besides problems with your belt or drum bearings. Here are a few ways to troubleshoot and fix your squeaky dryer.

If your dryer is making an annoying, high-pitched squeaking noise, it isn’t safe to ignore it. You should have it checked out by a professional ASAP so you don’t risk damaging your dryer as well as your laundry.

GE Dryer Squeaking – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis

The first step to fixing a squeaky dryer is to identify the source of the noise. In order to make sure your dryer is squeak free, you must first figure out where it’s coming from. To determine the source of your squeak, place your ear against the machine and run it for a few minutes. Focus on the area where you believe the noise is originating.

If your washer’s squeal is louder on the top, it’s probably a belt problem. If it goes off more on the bottom, it’s probably a pulley. If your dryer is rubbing or squeaking and it sounds like the back panel, then you may have a bearing issue.

Safety First: The best time to perform any appliance repair is when the power is turned off. Before you start, always disconnect the appliance from the power source and then unplug the appliance from its outlet or switch it to a breaker that has been turned off.

GE Dryer is Not Level

If your dryer is making a strange noise, the legs might be uneven. In order for the dryer to run smoothly, the four legs need to be level and sit firmly in the floor. If this isn’t the case, your dryer may move while operating, resulting in squeaking sounds as it rocks back and forth. To check if your dryer’s legs are uneven, you can use leveling tools to measure how tall each leg is.

Use a leveling tool to check if all four legs are level, and adjust them using a wrench if necessary.

Door Felt Seal Issue

When the most obvious reason for a dryer squeak appears to be the door, check for any movement when opening or closing and excessive friction at the hinges. The rubber seal at the top of the door might be causing a bit of resistance. Inspect the door’s pivot points for looseness — if there is even a hint of movement, take care not to damage it with excessive force.

A wiggly dryer door can be caused by a variety of issues, but the biggest one is a misalignment between the door and the rest of the dryer. Normally, all of the parts are in sync and attach together tightly, but any warping or wear-and-tear can lead to problems.

If a dryer door is rubbing against the door pocket, it may mean that the felt has worn out. It’s important to replace these felt pieces as they can wear out and stop working, which can be dangerous. It’s also important to clean the door before replacing it.

To replace dryer felt, remove the old glue and sand the original material with a fine-grit sanding block. Then apply a high-temp glue to match the new replacement material and place it in position. Allow the glue to cure for 30 seconds before installing the final piece of felt.

Worn Out Dryer Belt

Your squeaking isn’t just an annoying sound — it’s a potential problem. When you hear the squeaking sound from the top panel of a GE dryer, the belt may be slipping on the pulley, which could be caused by a frayed or loose belt. Over time and with constant use, the belt can wear down or become brittle and break, which is your dryer’s cue to break down fast.

You can often tell when a dryer belt is too worn out to work properly by the noise it makes. A squeaking or grinding sound is an indication that the dryer belt has become too loose, causing the drum to slip. If your dryer belt is in need of replacing, you can do so by opening the top panel and front panel. Remember to unplug your dryer from the wall before attempting this DIY repair.

Unscrew the lint filter cover and remove the screws holding it to your dryer’s chassis, then lift off the filter. The entire front panel then lifts off, revealing the drum and belt. Unhook the old belt from the groove. The belt is spring-loaded, so be careful when removing it. If you look closely at your old belt, you may see signs of wear — frayed or split edges. Look for nicks or tears in the rubber. When you thread the new belt through the rollers and pulley, check that there are no visible signs that it might slip or cause a jam.

Drum Bearing Low Lubrication

The squeak near the back of the dryer can indicate a number of things. Most commonly, it’s caused by the drum bearings at fault. These spinning metal wheels are designed to help the drum spin evenly, which is necessary for the clothes to be tumbled properly.

The machine uses a dryer drum with three bearings, or wheels, to help it spin smoothly. These bearings surround the edge of the drum and have low-friction lubricants on them to make them spin easily. If the bearings aren’t lubricated or if they’re worn out or damaged, they can make an annoying squeaking sound.

During this repair, you’ll need to open the top and front panels of the dryer. You will also need to remove the current belt from the dryer drive pulley and tension pulley. When you’re ready to tackle the squeaky wheel, remove the cover on your dryer and take a look at the screws that hold the drum in place. These can be removed with a screwdriver. After removing these screws, you should be able to pull out the drum. Take some time to give it a spin and listen for squeaks. Examine the drum. If you can turn a wheel and it makes a squeaking sound, add 3in1 oil to the wheel.

Faulty Idler Pulley or Motor

If a squeak is coming from near the dryer floor, your dryer’s idler pulley or motor belt may need to be replaced. The dryer idler pulley is responsible for holding the belt taut for your dryer drum. If it fails, the belt can slip, allowing the drum to slide out of position, and cause a squeaking sound. In addition to an oil treatment, try tightening the screws on either side of the pulley. If that doesn’t fix the problem or you see a broken spring on one side, replace your idler pulley.

If your dryer’s motor is making a squealing sound, it means that the bearings are no longer working and you need to replace the whole thing. If only one of the two bearings has gone bad, then you’ll just have to replace the spinning shaft. If you notice an intermittent squeaking noise coming from your dryer, it’s probably your motor fault. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace the entire motor.