Kenmore Dryer: loud banging noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a loud banging noise from your Kenmore dryer? This rhythmic thumping sound during the dry cycle often indicates mechanical issues, such as worn drum support rollers or foreign objects obstructing the drum. Don't ignore this symptom, as it can lead to further damage if not addressed promptly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Common causes for Kenmore models align with general dryer mechanical wear (rollers, belt, blower wheel). Specific part numbers vary by model; consult model manual.

Possible Causes

Worn drum support rollers or axles

How to Identify: Banging thumping noise increases with drum rotation; drum may not turn smoothly when belt removed.

Part: Drum support rollers & axles

Foreign objects inside drum or blower housing

How to Identify: Metallic clanks or irregular bangs not synchronized with drum rotation; inspection reveals coins/screws.

Part: Drum interior / blower wheel area

Blower wheel or housing interference

How to Identify: Banging/vibrating noise from lower front/back of unit; blower wheel blocked or loose.

Part: Blower wheel

Drum bearing wear

How to Identify: Grinding/rumbling accompanying banging; drum hard to turn manually when belt off.

Part: Drum bearing

DIY Solutions

Inspect for foreign objects

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight
  1. Open dryer door and inspect drum for loose items.
  2. Remove any foreign objects (coins, screws) from drum or seams.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug dryer before reaching deep into drum

Check and level dryer

Easy 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: level, adjustable wrench
  1. Place level on top of dryer front-to-back and side-to-side.
  2. Adjust leveling feet to stabilize unit.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is powered off

Inspect drive belt and idler pulley

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, nut driver, pliers
  1. Unplug dryer and remove access panels.
  2. Inspect belt for fraying or damage.
  3. Check idler pulley rotates freely and replace if worn.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before working inside

Inspect drum support rollers

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, nut driver, replacement rollers
  1. Unplug and open cabinet.
  2. Remove drum to access rollers.
  3. Replace worn rollers and axles with new parts.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves; ensure correct part fit

Professional Repairs

Replace blower wheel or housing

Estimated Cost: $80–$180

Replace drum bearing

Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Drive motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $250–$350

When to Call a Professional

If internal components (rollers, blower wheel, motor) require replacement
If noise persists after DIY checks
If unsure about safe disassembly

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter and drum regularly: Loose items obstructing drum or airflow noise
    Frequency: after every load
  • Level dryer: Uneven wear causing noise
    Frequency: annually or when moved

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer loud banging noise?
The noise may be due to worn drum support rollers, foreign objects in the drum, or blower wheel interference.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer loud banging noise myself?
Inspect for foreign objects, level the dryer, and check the drive belt and drum support rollers.
How much does it cost to fix loud banging noise?
Professional repairs can range from $40 to $350, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for loud banging noise?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if the problem involves complex repairs, contact a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Loose drum support rollers
  • Worn or damaged drum belt
  • Stripped blower fan
  • Foreign objects in the drum or blower
  • Worn out idler pulley

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the drum support rollers. Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and check the rollers for wear. Replace if necessary.

  2. Check and replace the drum belt. Disconnect power, remove the front panel, and inspect the belt for damage. Replace if frayed or broken.

  3. Replace the blower fan if stripped. Turn off the dryer, remove the front panel, and the blower housing. Replace the fan if damaged.

  4. Remove any foreign objects from the drum or blower. Inspect the drum and blower area for items causing noise and remove them.

  5. Inspect and replace the idler pulley. Disconnect power, remove the front panel, and check the idler pulley for wear or damage.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Dryer - Loud Banging/Grinding Noise

Community Discussions

Loud banging/grinding noise

Stripped blower fan needs replacement.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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