6 Reasons Why Whirlpool Dryer Squeaking – Let’s Fix It

From time to time, your whirlpool dryer may begin to squeak when in use. If so, there are a number of steps you can take to help eliminate the issue.

A squeaking sound coming from your whirlpool dryer can be very annoying, but if your dryer is still working properly, there’s no need to worry. It’s likely that the noise is being caused by minor issues that are easily rectified. Have you noticed your Whirlpool dryer squeaking? It might be the result of loose screws or uneven dryer legs. Learn how to fix it, and prevent future noises.

Whirlpool Dryer Squeaking – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis

When a dryer squeaks, most homeowners assume the source of the noise is inside their appliance. In fact, most of the time, the source of a squeak is outside, making simple repairs easy to handle. We’ll guide you through the most common causes of dryer squeaks so you can determine whether DIY fixes are in order.

1. Dryer Loose Screws

Sometimes, the squeaking sound from a dryer is caused by loose screws rattling and rubbing against the drum. Loosen any screws in that area and retighten with a screwdriver. If that doesn’t fix it, check for any parts that might be rubbing against each other. Make sure nothing is rubbing against the inside of the dryer or drum, such as wires or belts.

2. Loose Door Felt Seal

The squeak from the dryer is usually from a rickety door. When the door moves over time, it can bump up against metal parts inside the dryer and cause a slight sound. The problem here is that small movements make large sounds, so for some people, the noise can be annoying. All you need to do is lubricate the hinges from time to time, and this will silence any rattling you hear.

While in the past, many dryer doors made squeaky noises as they opened or closed. That’s why there are always a few pieces of felt seal in the dryer door pocket to prevent the door from rubbing against the seals and making those annoying sounds. However, after some time, those pieces of felt wear down and can be rubbed flat.

When you notice that the felt on your dryer door is starting to wear away, you’ll need to replace it. Start by removing the old felt by using a razor blade or box cutter to cut around the edges of the door, then remove the rest with a pry bar. Remove any remaining glue, and sand the surface of the dryer door with a fine-grit sandpaper to prep it for new felt. Use high-heat glue to replace the felt, wait 30 seconds to set, and add the other half of the felt.

3. Uneven Dryer Legs

A squeaking sound is a dead giveaway that the legs of your Whirlpool dryer are causing friction, giving off a constant, high-pitched tone. This can occur when the floor beneath the dryer isn’t level, or when the legs aren’t firmly connected to the ground.

A squeaky noise can mean that any one or all of the dryer legs are uneven, which means the dryer itself will be moving when it operates. To fix this, use a leveling tool to check if the dryer is level. You can adjust the leveling screws on the legs of your Whirlpool dryer to help reduce the noise. Make sure all four legs rest evenly on the floor.

4. Worn Out Dryer Belt

Let’s say you hear some squeaking from the top of your dryer. This is probably a problem with the dryer belt. If you hear a squeaking noise coming from your dryer, the problem is most likely the dryer belt. The belt wraps around the drum and causes it to turn. If this belt breaks or wears out, it can cause problems with dryer function, will strain the motor and reduce energy efficiency. If your belt is worn out or damaged, it’s time to replace the dryer belt.

As the belt ages and becomes slack, it can put excess strain on the motor and cause a squeaking noise. To replace it, you’ll need to open the dryer’s top panel and front cover.

To access the belt for your dryer, you’ll need to remove both the lint screen and the front panel. The first step is to remove the screen by removing the two screws that hold it in place. Once the screen has been removed, you can then remove the two screws that secure the top panel. Once those screws have been removed, you should be able to lift off the top panel.

The old belt on your dryer is warped and missing teeth. Replace the belt with a new one to avoid further damages to the machine. The new belt should be wrapped around the drum like you found it. Ensure the new belt connects to the motor pulley and the pulley on your dryer, tighten everything back up and close the top and front again.

5. Drum Bearing needs to be Lubricated

When you hear a loud squeak coming from the back of your dryer, this is usually a sign that the drum bearings are in trouble. A faulty bearing can lead to excessive vibration, which could be the reason for your laundry room noise.

The main function of the dryer drum bearings is to make sure that the dryer drum moves and spins smoothly, which allows it to do its job to air out and dry clothes. If the bearings on your dryer are squeaking, it means that they are low on lubrication, which can lead to poor performance or even damage down the line.

If the dryer drum is squeaking, this can mean that it’s low on lubrication or may even be damaged, which means that you’ll need to oil the bearings or replace them if one is broken inside your dryer.

You might not realize it, but your dryer has a set of moving parts — essentially, a series of wheels — that spin around and rub against each other. This rubbing creates friction, which in turn causes the machine to get hot while it’s working. To protect your dryer from overheating and to keep it from making strange noises, there’s a small belt that goes around the rollers.

If your drum is making the sound of a squeaky wheel, it’s time for lubrication. The easiest way to do this is to remove the entire drum from the housing, oil it with 3in1 oil or other manufacturer-recommended oil, and then reassemble your dryer. It is best if you use an oil with a slippery consistency such as 3in1 Oil Lube, so that it doesn’t gum up and make moving parts harder to move.

6. Broken Idler Pulley or Motor

If a squeak is coming from near the floor of a dryer, there are two common causes. It could be an idler pulley or an issue with the motor. The idler pulley is a tiny, round metal disc that’s part of the belt system in a dryer. If it’s squeaking, it probably needs to be lubricated. The motor itself is also the source of squeaky noises.

Idler pulleys maintain belt tension and hold the belt tight as it enters the dryer drum. If your dryer is making a squeak or grinding noise, it may be due to a worn out or broken idler pulley. This pulley can also develop tight spots which will cause squeaks and potentially worse wear on the other parts of your dryer.

If you have a Whirlpool squeaky dryer, there’s a good chance the reason is because of the idler pulley. But replacing it might not be necessary if you’re comfortable with a quick DIY fix. One way to do this is to simply apply machine oil or silicone spray to the pulley. If it’s still squeaking or making some noise when running, though, you should just replace the idler pulley.