Ge Dryer: making noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your GE dryer is making unusual noises such as squeaking, thumping, or grinding, it indicates potential issues with components like drum support rollers or loose screws. These sounds can disrupt your laundry routine, so identifying the cause is essential for effective resolution.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Ge Models

  • GE official support notes metal scraping from foreign objects caught in drum front seal or worn drum slides requires service.

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged drum support rollers or axles

How to Identify: Loud rumbling, thumping, or grinding noise when the drum spins; drum does not rotate smoothly by hand with belt removed.

Part: Drum support rollers and axle

Loose screws or cabinet parts

How to Identify: Rattling or vibrating noises; visibly loose screws on exterior or interior panels.

Part: Dryer cabinet/screws

Worn drum glides or felt seals

How to Identify: Squeaking or scraping sounds as drum rotates; wear visible on glide pads or felt seals.

Part: Drum glides/felt seals

DIY Solutions

Inspect and remove foreign objects

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Work gloves, Flashlight
  1. Unplug the dryer.
  2. Open the dryer drum and visually inspect for coins, clips or debris.
  3. Remove lint filter and look down the opening for trapped objects.
  4. Retrieve any foreign objects using gloves.
  5. Run the dryer briefly empty to check if noise persists.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before reaching inside.

Check and tighten loose screws

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver set
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Inspect exposed cabinet screws and tighten any that are loose.
  3. Check interior panel screws if accessible.
  4. Reassemble and test run dryer for noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected.

Replace worn drive belt (drum noise)

Moderate 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Nut driver, Replacement belt
  1. Unplug and access dryer interior by removing necessary panels.
  2. Locate and remove the old drive belt.
  3. Compare and install the new belt around drum and pulleys.
  4. Reassemble panels and test dryer.
  5. Listen for reduced noise and proper drum rotation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct part for model.

Replace idler pulley and tension assembly

Advanced 60-120 minutes
Tools Needed: Socket set, Screwdrivers, Replacement idler pulley
  1. Unplug dryer and remove appropriate panels.
  2. Locate the idler pulley assembly.
  3. Remove old pulley and install new one ensuring proper belt tension.
  4. Reassemble panels and test dryer.
  5. Ensure belt tracks correctly and reduces squealing noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Work requires access to internal components.

Professional Repairs

Replace drum support rollers and axles

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace drum bearing

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Replace blower wheel and housing

Estimated Cost: $40 - $100

Motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after DIY fixes
Grinding noises suggesting internal wear
Unusual smells or smoke
Drum does not rotate smoothly by hand

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter after each load: Foreign object noise and airflow issues
    Frequency: every use
  • Inspect and tighten screws: Loosening-related rattling
    Frequency: annually
  • Check belt and rollers for wear: Noise from worn parts
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE Dryer making noise?
Common causes include worn drum support rollers, loose screws, or damaged drum glides.
How do I fix GE Dryer making noise myself?
You can inspect for foreign objects, tighten screws, or replace the drive belt.
How much does it cost to fix making noise?
Professional repairs range from $40 to $300 depending on the part replaced.
When should I call a technician for making noise?
Call a technician if noises persist after DIY fixes or if complex repairs are needed.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Idler pulley or rollers malfunction (1 mentions)
  • Broken plastic piece affecting operation (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace idler pulley and rollers

    Success rate: 50.0%

  2. Remove broken plastic piece or replace bearing kit

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. GE front load dryer, noise, broken plastic
  2. broken dryer making high pitched noise

Community Discussions

very loud high pitched whistling sound

Replace idler pulley and rollers

DIY View on Reddit →

making noise after a drawstring got stuck and broke a piece of plastic

Removing the broken plastic piece or replacing the bearing kit if necessary.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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