Dryer making unusual noises
Dryers tell you a lot by sound, and the type of noise narrows the possibilities.
Not urgent Most dryer noises are wear rather than danger, but a grinding or squealing dryer left running can seize and damage other parts, and any burning smell with the noise makes it urgent.
What this symptom usually means
Dryers tell you a lot by sound, and the type of noise narrows the possibilities. A high squeal or chirp that changes with drum speed often points to a dry idler pulley, a worn drum bearing or drum rollers with flat spots. A rhythmic thump every rotation may be a flat spot on a roller after the dryer sat idle, a lump in the belt, or simply a bunched sheet or a pair of shoes. Scraping or grinding often means something small (a coin, a bra wire, a screw) is caught in the drum seam or under the lint screen housing, or a drum glide has worn through to metal.
Some sounds are normal. Gas dryers click when the valve opens and may buzz briefly from the solenoids. Many dryers give a short squeak at start-up that fades in seconds. What matters is a noise that is new, is getting louder, or comes with heat, smell or a drum that struggles to turn.
Checks you can do yourself
- Empty the drum and run itRun the dryer empty on air fluff. If the noise disappears, it was the load: bunched sheets, shoes, a zipper against the drum. Use a mesh bag or drying rack for hard items.
- Check the drum seam and lint screen slotWith the dryer off, run your hand slowly around the front and rear seams of the drum and shine a light into the lint screen slot. Coins, pins and hair clips lodge there and scrape on each turn.
- Level and feetRock the dryer at the top corners. A dryer that is not level, or is missing a foot, pounds against the floor or the washer beside it. Adjust the feet so it sits solid.
- ClearanceMake sure nothing is leaning on or wedged behind the dryer, and that the duct is not rattling against the cabinet or the wall.
- PocketsButtons, keys and coins account for a lot of rattling. Check pockets before loading.
- Note the patternSqueal at start only, squeal throughout, thump per rotation, grind under load: write down which. It shortens the diagnosis.
Nothing above involves gas, wiring, refrigerant or removing panels.
What our technician checks
These need panels off, live electrical tests or a licensed trade, so they are left to the technician:
- Removing the front or top panel to reach rollers, idler, glides or blower
- Disassembling the drum
- Any work on the motor or the gas valve
Electric models $89 + tax; gas models, and Thermador, Miele, Viking, Wolf and Fisher & Paykel models, $129 + tax.
Waived when you proceed with the repair. You get the cause, the price and our repair-or-replace verdict in writing before any work.
Repairs a technician may recommend
After inspection, not from the symptom alone.
Drum roller and axle replacement
When there is a thump per rotation or a rumble that rises with speed. Usually replaced as a set.
Idler pulley replacement
When the squeal starts with the drum and continues; the idler bearing dries out and screams.
Drum bearing or rear support replacement
When the squeal or grind comes from the back of the drum and the drum can be lifted slightly at the rear.
Drum glide or felt seal replacement
When the front of the drum scrapes and the glides have worn through.
Blower wheel cleaning or replacement
When there is a rattle or thump from the blower housing, often from a sock or lint ball drawn past the screen.
Belt replacement
When a frayed or lumpy belt thumps against the drum and pulley.
Motor replacement
When the motor bearings hum or grind on their own; the technician isolates the motor from the drum to confirm.
Brands we see with this problem
Codes, parts and access differ by brand; the brand pages cover where the model label is and what to expect.
Brand-specific repair and error-code guides
Cost, and whether to fix it
What the repair costs depends on the part, the labour and whether a second visit is needed for an ordered part; the written finding gives the total before any work. Our guides on what drives repair costs, dryer repair costs and repair versus replacement explain how to weigh it.
Who to call
RepairWell diagnoses and repairs this in homes and businesses across Ottawa and Gatineau; the diagnostic ($89 + tax for an electric model at home, $129 + tax for a gas model or a business) is waived when you proceed with the repair. If the dryer is still under the manufacturer's warranty, contact the manufacturer first: warranty repairs usually have to go through their authorized network.
When to book
Book when the noise is still there with an empty drum, when it is getting worse, or when the drum turns stiffly by hand. Rollers, idlers and glides wear together, so it is normally more economical to have them checked in one visit than to wait for the next part. Tell us the sound and when it happens; if you can, send a short recording. The diagnostic is $89 + tax with a written finding, waived when you proceed with the repair. Details on dryer repair.
We handle this across Ottawa and Gatineau
Related problems
Dryer making unusual noises: questions
My dryer squeaks for a few seconds at start-up and then stops. Is that a problem?
Manufacturers describe a brief start-up squeak as normal on some models. A squeal that continues through the cycle or gets louder over weeks is not, and usually points to the idler or a roller.
Why does my gas dryer click?
The gas valve clicks each time it opens, several times a cycle, and the solenoids may buzz briefly. That is normal. Clicking with no heat is a different problem; see dryer not heating.
Is a noisy dryer worth fixing?
Rollers, idlers and glides are inexpensive parts and the repair restores the dryer for years on most units. A motor on a very old dryer is where the finding may lean toward replacement.
Can I oil the squeaky part myself?
No. The parts are inside the cabinet, most squeaks come from worn bearings that need replacing rather than lubricating, and oil near a heater and lint is a fire risk.
Sources
Sources checked 2026-09-24.
Book the diagnostic
Tell us this symptom and your postal code; it helps us bring the right parts.
Pick a preferred day and arrival window online; we confirm by email once a technician is assigned.
- $89 + tax diagnostic$129 + tax for gas or commercial appliances and for Thermador, Miele, Viking, Wolf or Fisher & Paykel; waived when you proceed with the repair
- Written finding on every visitCause, price and our repair-or-replace verdict
- 90-day warrantyOn parts replaced; labour depends on the work done