Kenmore Dryer: loud squeal

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a loud, high-pitched squeal from your Kenmore Dryer? This noise, often continuous or occurring at the start of a cycle, signals mechanical friction inside the drum. Common causes include worn idler pulleys, drum support rollers, or drive belts, leading to an irritating and concerning sound that can worsen over time.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dryers commonly use similar belt, roller and pulley setups as other electric dryers; Sears Home Services notes idler pulley and tension spring issues can cause loud noise.

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged idler pulley

How to Identify: Squealing that correlates with belt movement; noise from front/bottom area; pulley feels stiff or rough when spun by hand.

Part: Idler pulley / tension assembly

Worn drum support rollers or bearings

How to Identify: Noise persists throughout rotation; drum may feel rough or stiff manually; squeal increases with load.

Part: Drum rollers and bearings

Worn or frayed drive belt

How to Identify: Squealing tied to drum movement, possible slipping sensation, visible wear on belt such as fraying or cracking.

Part: Drive belt

Worn drum glides or felt pads

How to Identify: Squeak from front area; uneven drum rotation; visible wear on glides/felts.

Part: Drum glides / felt pads

Foreign object or lint buildup causing friction

How to Identify: Noise accompanied by rattling or scratching; visible debris in drum or blower wheel.

Part: Lint screen/drum interior

Dryer motor issues

How to Identify: Squeal accompanied by motor struggling or uneven drum spin; noise not resolved by replacing rollers/belt.

Part: Motor

DIY Solutions

Inspect & Replace Idler Pulley

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, wrench, socket set
  1. Disconnect power.
  2. Remove front or rear access panel.
  3. Locate idler pulley and spin by hand to check for rough spots.
  4. Remove old pulley and install new idler pulley.
  5. Reassemble panels and test dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug power before servicing.

Replace Drum Support Rollers/Bearings

Moderate To Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, ratchet set, shop vacuum
  1. Disconnect power.
  2. Remove dryer cabinet panels to access drum.
  3. Manually rotate drum to confirm roller/bearing wear.
  4. Remove drum and replace worn rollers/bearings.
  5. Clean any lint/ debris, reassemble and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Wear gloves; remove lint to prevent fire risk.

Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, wrench
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Remove access panel and release tension on belt.
  3. Remove old belt and fit new belt around drum and motor pulley.
  4. Reassemble and test for noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper belt routing to avoid damage.

Clean Drum Interior & Venting

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum, brush
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Remove lint trap and clean.
  3. Vacuum inside drum and blower area to remove lint.
  4. Check vent hose for blockages.
  5. Reassemble and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not operate without lint filter in place.

Inspect & Replace Drum Glides/Felt Pads

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Access drum glides/felt pads.
  3. Inspect for wear and replace all worn pieces.
  4. Reassemble and test dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Replace as set to prevent uneven wear.

Professional Repairs

Motor Replacement or Service

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Comprehensive Internal Component Service

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If squealing persists after replacing rollers, belt and idler pulley
If motor noise or electrical issues accompany the squeal
If you are uncomfortable disassembling dryer interior

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap, drum interior and venting: Lint buildup that can contribute to noise and fire risk
    Frequency: After every few loads or monthly
  • Inspect drum rollers and belt annually: Wear‑related squealing or part failure
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer loud squeal?
The loud squeal is often caused by worn or damaged idler pulleys, drum support rollers, or a frayed drive belt.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer loud squeal myself?
You can inspect and replace the idler pulley, drum support rollers, or drive belt with moderate DIY skills.
How much does it cost to fix loud squeal?
Professional repairs for a loud squeal can range from $150 to $400, depending on the service needed.
When should I call a technician for loud squeal?
Call a technician if the noise persists after DIY fixes or if you suspect motor issues.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn idler pulley
  • Damaged drum rollers
  • Worn drive belt
  • Dryer drum support felt
  • Loose or damaged blower wheel

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the worn idler pulley: 1. Unplug the dryer. 2. Remove the front panel. 3. Locate the idler pulley and remove it. 4. Install the new pulley and reassemble the dryer.

  2. Replace damaged drum rollers: 1. Unplug the dryer. 2. Remove the front and top panels. 3. Lift the drum out and replace the rollers. 4. Reassemble the dryer.

  3. Replace the worn drive belt: 1. Unplug the dryer. 2. Remove the front panel. 3. Take off the drum and replace the belt. 4. Reassemble the dryer.

  4. Replace dryer drum support felt: 1. Unplug the dryer. 2. Remove the drum and old felt. 3. Apply new felt and reassemble the dryer.

  5. Check and secure the blower wheel: 1. Unplug the dryer. 2. Remove the front panel. 3. Inspect the blower wheel for damage and secure it. 4. Reassemble the dryer.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Dryer Loud Squeal: Replace or Repair

Community Discussions

squealed loudly

Possible simple repairs include replacing the idler pulley, wheels under the drum, felt door gasket, and proactively replacing the belt.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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