Kenmore Dryer: clicking noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dryer is producing a clicking noise, it may be an indication of several issues. This noise can occur intermittently or consistently during operation and might even prevent the dryer from starting. Common causes include foreign objects in the drum or blower, a faulty idler pulley, or drive belt issues. Understanding the source of the noise is essential for effective troubleshooting.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

Kenmore dryers share common mechanical components with other brands; clicking noise causes are generally similar across models.

Possible Causes

Foreign object (debris) stuck in drum or blower housing

How to Identify: Remove clothes and inspect drum and blower area for coins, buttons, clips or other foreign items that clatter when drum rotates or blower spins; clicking often occurs as the object strikes internal surfaces.

Part: Drum interior / blower housing

Faulty or worn idler pulley

How to Identify: Clicking or chirping that changes with speed; inspect the pulley wheel and bearing for wear or rough rotation once access panel is removed.

Part: Idler pulley

Drive belt issues (loose, frayed, or broken)

How to Identify: Visual belt inspection shows fraying, cracks, or slack; clicking or slapping sounds as the belt moves around pulleys.

Part: Drive belt

Faulty start switch or electrical clicking

How to Identify: Dryer clicks when attempting to start but does not engage drum or motor; clicking coincides with control panel attempts to start.

Part: Start switch / electrical contacts

Broken or failing drive motor

How to Identify: Clicking or soft tick noise followed by motor not running, humming, or intermittent attempts to start; motor fails to spin drum.

Part: Drive motor

DIY Solutions

Remove Debris from Drum and Blower

Easy 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: flashlight, screwdriver (if needed for blower access)

Unplug the dryer from power.
Open the dryer door and inspect the drum for foreign objects.
Use a flashlight to check seams and around the blower housing for debris.
Remove any objects you find.
Test run the dryer to see if clicking persists.

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before reaching inside the dryer.

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdrivers, wrench set

Unplug the dryer and pull it out safely.
Remove the dryer top and front panel to access the belt area.
Inspect the belt for wear, fraying, or slack.
Replace the belt with the correct part for your model if necessary.
Reassemble and test the dryer.

⚠️ Safety First: Be cautious of sharp edges inside dryer cabinet.

Inspect and Replace Idler Pulley

Moderate 45-90 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set

Disconnect power to the dryer.
Remove panel(s) to access the drive belt and idler pulley.
Manually check idler pulley for smooth rotation and play.
Remove and replace pulley if worn.
Reassemble and test for noise reduction.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct belt tension upon reassembly.

Professional Repairs

Replace Start Switch or Internal Electrical Components

Estimated Cost: $80 - $150

Drive Motor Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Clicking occurs without mechanical causes like debris or worn belt/pulley detected

Start switch or motor electrical diagnosis beyond basic DIY

Noise persists after replacing common mechanical parts

Preventive Maintenance

Check and empty pockets before drying: Foreign objects entering drum and causing clicking or other noises
Frequency: Every load
Inspect belt and pulleys for wear: Noise from worn mechanical components
Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer clicking noise?

Common causes include debris stuck in the drum, a faulty idler pulley, or worn drive belt.

How do I fix Kenmore Dryer clicking noise myself?

You can remove debris from the drum, inspect the drive belt for wear, or check the idler pulley.

How much does it cost to fix clicking noise?

Professional repairs can range from $80 to $400, depending on the issue.

When should I call a technician for clicking noise?

Call a technician if the issue persists after DIY fixes or if you suspect a motor or electrical problem.

References & Sources

Troubleshoot Dryer Clicking Noise: Common Issues And Causes Community

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

80%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

Worn or damaged drum rollers
Faulty idler pulley
Foreign objects in the drum or blower wheel

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect and replace worn or damaged drum rollers. To do this, unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and check the rollers for wear. If they are flat or damaged, replace them with part number 4392065.
Check the idler pulley for wear or damage. If it is not spinning freely or has visible wear, replace it. Access it by removing the front panel and the drum.
Inspect the drum for any foreign objects that may be causing the noise. Remove any items found in the drum or blower wheel area.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

Dryer clicking / thumping noise (video)

Community Discussions

clicking / thumping noise

Possible flat spot on one of the rollers; part number 4392065 for the idler/roller kit.