Maytag dryer makes noise when tumbling

Common reasons your Maytag dryer makes noise when tumbling

The most common reasons your Maytag dryer makes noise when tumbling are a worn drum support roller, damaged blower wheel or a broken idler assembly.

  • 49%

    49% of the time it's the
    Drum Support Roller

  • 26%

    26% of the time it's the
    Blower Wheel

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Idler Assembly

  • 17%

    17% of the time it's the
    Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag dryer

Drum Support Roller Replacement

A worn drum support roller will cause your dryer to make noise as it’s tumbling. The support roller helps keep the drum in place as the drum spins inside the dryer cabinet. A worn roller wheel will make a clunking sound as the drum spins and hits flat spots on the roller wheel. The dryer can make whining or grinding sounds as parts rub against each other when the drum support roller wears out. When your dryer makes noise, have a Sears Home Services Expert visit your home and replace the drum support roller if it’s worn.

Blower Wheel Replacement

When your dryer makes loud noise when it’s tumbling, a damaged or worn blower wheel could be causing the problem. The blower wheel moves air through the heater and into the dryer drum to dry the clothes. The blower wheel can eventually wear out and start vibrating or making loud noises as it spins. When you hear the dryer making loud vibrating noises, have a Sears Home Services Technician examine the dryer. The technician will replace the blower wheel if it’s damaged.

Idler Assembly Replacement

A dryer that makes noise when tumbling could have a worn or broken idler assembly. The idler assembly keeps tension on the drive belt to spin the dryer drum. Many idler assemblies have a pulley wheel that spins and helps tension the drive belt. When the wheel or the pulley wears out, the dryer may make squealing or rattling noises as the drum spins. When your dryer makes noise, have a Sears Home Services Repair Technician visit your home and fix the problem.

Why does my dryer make a noise when tumbling?

Here is a list of common dryer noises along with typical causes and suggested solutions.

Dryer rattling noise

Loud rattling noise in an dryer can be caused by coins or a similar foreign object clanging around in the drum while the dryer runs.

Check and empty all pockets when doing laundry to avoid this dryer noise.

Zippers, snaps and other metal objects on clothing can also make rattling noise during the cycle.

Zip up zippers and snap all snaps, then turn garments inside out to help avoid rattling caused by zippers and snaps.

Rattling in a dryer can also be caused by unstable leveling feet.

Press down on diagonally opposing corners of the dryer to check for play and adjust leveling feet to stabilize the dryer as shown in the image below.

stabilize-dryer-leveling-feet-image

Fast thumping noise

Fast thumping noise in your dryer can be caused by a worn drum support roller. If the dryer was idle for a long time because it was in storage or in an unused house, one side of a drum support roller can become flat and cause a fast thumping noise.

Unplug the dryer and shut off the gas supply if you have a gas dryer. Open the top panel and of the dryer and spin the dryer drum by hand to check for noise coming from the drum support rollers.

Replace the drum support rollers if one side is flat and the rollers make noise.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace dryer drum support rollers in a common type of dryer:

If you’re not confident that you can access and replace the drum support rollers on your own, schedule dryer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician replace the rollers for you.

clothes-dryer-idler-pulley

Banging and/or squealing noise

A damaged idler pulley, idler pulley bracket or idler pulley tension spring could cause a loud noise such as banging or squealing in your dryer.

When the noise is coming from the bottom of the dryer cabinet, have a service technician examine the dryer and fix the noise.

clothes-dryer-drum-glide-bearing

Metallic scraping noise

A scraping noise can indicate damage to the drum glide bearing or felt drum seal.

Unplug the dryer and shut off the gas supply if you have a gas dryer. Open the top panel and inspect the drum glide bearing and felt seal for damage.

Have a service technician replace any worn or damaged components.

While other problems can cause noises in your dryer, these are the most common causes. If you’re unable to find and fix the cause of dryer noise on your own, schedule appliance repair to have a technician fix the dryer.

What to expect when you experience a Maytag dryer makes noise when tumbling issue

How is the makes noise when tumbling problem fixed?

Correcting most makes noise when tumbling problems usually involves replacing the drum support roller, blower wheel or idler assembly. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that makes noise when tumbling

When the dryer makes noise when tumbling it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

What to look out for with a dryer that makes noise when tumbling diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Clanging or squealing from a Maytag dryer typically signals worn belts, rollers, or bearings. Ignoring the racket can cause extended damage. Instead, consult a dryer repair service near me to isolate the cause. Quiet cycles protect your dryer and your peace of mind.

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Dryer service

He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Maytag dryer make noise when tumbling?
Check for foreign objects in the drum, inspect the drum rollers for wear, and verify that the drive belt is intact.
Could worn-out drum rollers cause my Maytag dryer to make noise?
Yes, worn or damaged drum rollers can cause excessive noise during operation. Replace them if necessary.
How do I fix a Maytag dryer that makes noise when tumbling?
Inspect the drum rollers for wear, clean the drum of any debris, and check the belt for damage.
What causes noise when my Maytag dryer is tumbling?
Common causes include worn drum rollers, a malfunctioning belt, or foreign objects in the drum. Inspect and clean these parts to fix the issue.

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Glossary Terms

A dryer drum is the main interior component of a clothes dryer where clothes are placed to be dried. It rotates during the drying cycle, allowing heated air to circulate through the clothes.

A dryer filter, commonly known as a lint filter, is a component of a clothes dryer that captures lint and other debris from clothes during the drying process, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.

A dryer pedestal is a platform that elevates a dryer off the ground, making it easier to load and unload laundry while also providing additional storage space in some models.

A dryer rack is an accessory for clothes dryers that provides a stationary platform to dry items without tumbling, ideal for delicate or bulky items, or shoes that might be damaged by the usual drying cycle.