Kenmore Dryer: loud noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dryer making loud, unusual noises like grinding, squeaking, or banging? These sounds can indicate issues such as worn drum support rollers, a faulty idler pulley, or even foreign objects caught in the drum. It's essential to diagnose the cause to ensure your dryer operates smoothly and efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Some Kenmore dryers use a ball hitch support for the drum; worn ball hitch can cause grinding noise.

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged drum support rollers

How to Identify: Loud rumbling or thumping noise; drum may not spin smoothly by hand and rollers may have flat spots or wobble.

Part: drum support rollers/axles

Faulty idler pulley or tension spring

How to Identify: Banging or squealing noise from bottom of dryer; pulley may be worn or not turning smoothly.

Part: idler pulley assembly

Worn or loose drive belt

How to Identify: Thumping or squealing noise that may change with load size; visible fraying/damage on belt.

Part: drive belt

Obstructed or damaged blower wheel

How to Identify: Rumbling or scraping noise; blower wheel may be clogged with lint or debris and spin unevenly.

Part: blower wheel

Worn drum glides or bearing

How to Identify: Grinding noise as drum rotates; uneven rotation or metal-on-metal contact when hand-spinning drum.

Part: drum glides/bearings

Foreign objects in drum or baffles

How to Identify: Rattling noise; objects like coins or debris visible inside drum or under baffles.

Part: drum interior/baffles

Drive motor or motor bearing failure

How to Identify: Persistent grinding or squealing; motor may struggle or fail to start; noise may be from rear of unit.

Part: drive motor

DIY Solutions

Inspect and clean blower wheel

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, shop vac, flashlight
  1. Unplug dryer and remove access panel.
  2. Locate blower wheel and remove lint/debris with a shop vac.
  3. Spin blower wheel by hand to check for smooth rotation.
  4. Reassemble and test dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug dryer before servicing.

Check and level dryer

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: level, adjustable wrench
  1. Place level across dryer top to check if unit is level.
  2. Adjust leveling legs until dryer is stable and level.
  3. Tighten leg locking nuts if equipped.

Replace drum support rollers

Advanced 60-120 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, nut driver, wrench
  1. Unplug dryer and remove front/rear panels.
  2. Remove drum belt and drum to access rollers.
  3. Replace worn rollers and axles with new parts.
  4. Reassemble dryer and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper alignment of drum before testing.

Replace idler pulley

Advanced 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, nut driver
  1. Disconnect power and access lower front panel.
  2. Follow belt path and remove belt.
  3. Remove old idler pulley and install new one.
  4. Reassemble dryer and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Inspect belt for wear when replacing pulley.

Professional Repairs

Replace drive motor or motor bearings

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Replace drum bearings/glides

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after replacing rollers, belt and idler pulley
Grinding or squealing suggesting motor or bearing failure
Uncertainty about safe disassembly of dryer internal parts

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter and interior regularly: lint buildup that can contribute to blower and belt issues
    Frequency: after every use
  • Check and level dryer periodically: imbalances that lead to uneven wear on rollers and bearings
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer loud noise?
The loud noise can be due to worn drum support rollers, a faulty idler pulley, or foreign objects in the drum.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer loud noise myself?
You can inspect the blower wheel, level the dryer, or replace the drum support rollers or idler pulley.
How much does it cost to fix loud noise?
Professional repairs for loud noise can range from $150 to $300 for the drive motor and $80 to $200 for drum bearings.
When should I call a technician for loud noise?
If the noise persists after DIY fixes or involves complex repairs like motor replacement, it's time to call a professional.

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

  • Worn drum rollers or bearings
  • Loose or damaged blower fan
  • Clogged venting system

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn drum rollers or bearings. Open the dryer, remove the drum, and check the rollers for wear. Replace if necessary.

  2. Tighten or replace the blower fan. Access the blower assembly, check for any looseness or damage, and secure or replace as needed.

  3. Clean the venting system thoroughly. Disconnect the vent and use a vacuum to remove any lint buildup, ensuring proper airflow.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Help! Dryer is making a very loud rumbling noise

Community Discussions

very loud rumbling noise

Cleaned clumps of lint from the blower fan

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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