Kenmore Dryer: making high pitched noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dryer making a high-pitched noise? This consistent squealing or squeaking sound during operation often indicates friction from worn components, such as the idler pulley or drum support rollers. Understanding the causes can help you address the issue effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dryers share many mechanical parts with Sears models; common wear items like idler pulley and drum rollers often cause squeak noises and are typical service items.

Possible Causes

Worn or failing idler pulley

How to Identify: High‑pitched squeal synchronized with drum rotation; noise often from underside/bottom area; pulley wheel may not spin freely when manually turned.

Part: Idler pulley (and bearing)

Worn drum support rollers

How to Identify: Continuous squeak during drum rotation, sometimes with rhythmic pattern; rollers may have flat spots or visible wear and feel rough when spun by hand.

Part: Drum support rollers/bearings

Worn drum glide bearings/felt pads

How to Identify: Squeak often more prominent at front of drum; felt pads may be visibly degraded or missing.

Part: Drum glide bearings/felt pads

Motor bearing wear

How to Identify: Persistent squeal even after replacing external mechanical parts, possibly coupled with unusual motor behavior like slow start or overheating.

Part: Dryer motor bearings

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace idler pulley

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: Socket set, Screwdrivers, Work gloves
  1. Unplug the dryer and disconnect power.
  2. Access the pulley by removing the dryer’s front or bottom panel.
  3. Inspect the idler pulley for play or rough rotation.
  4. Remove and replace the worn pulley with the OEM replacement.
  5. Reassemble the dryer and test noise level.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before opening the cabinet

Replace drum support rollers

Moderate 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: Socket set, Screwdrivers, Lubricant (if reusing shafts)
  1. Disconnect power to the dryer.
  2. Remove the dryer drum to access the rollers.
  3. Inspect all drum rollers for wear and replace with new ones if needed.
  4. Reassemble the drum and panels, then run a test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Support drum weight during removal to avoid injury

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Socket set, Screwdrivers
  1. Unplug the dryer.
  2. Remove the access panel and visually inspect the belt.
  3. Replace the belt if frayed, glazed, or damaged, ensuring proper tension.
  4. Reassemble the dryer and test operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid damaged belts sliding during testing

Professional Repairs

Motor replacement or bearing service

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Persistent high‑pitched noise after DIY part replacements
Burning smell or overheating during operation
Motor makes unusual noise or fails to start

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter and internal lint buildup: Excess strain on moving parts and overheating
    Frequency: after every use
  • Lubricate accessible roller shafts during maintenance: Premature wear and squeaking
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer making high pitched noise?
Common causes include a worn idler pulley, drum support rollers, or glide bearings.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer making high pitched noise myself?
Inspect and replace the idler pulley, drum support rollers, or drive belt for DIY solutions.
How much does it cost to fix making high pitched noise?
Professional repair costs for motor replacement or bearing service range from $150 to $350.
When should I call a technician for making high pitched noise?
Call a technician if the issue persists after DIY attempts or if you suspect motor problems.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn drum rollers or roller bearings
  • Faulty idler pulley
  • Worn drive belt

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn drum rollers or roller bearings. Disconnect the dryer, remove the front or rear panel, and check the rollers for wear. If worn, replace them with new ones. Reassemble and test the dryer.

  2. Check and replace the idler pulley. Disconnect the dryer, access the idler pulley by removing the front panel, and inspect for wear or damage. Replace if necessary and reassemble.

  3. Examine and replace the drive belt. Disconnect the dryer, remove the front or rear panel, and check the drive belt for fraying or wear. Replace if damaged and reassemble.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Dryer Making High Pitched Noise when in Use

Community Discussions

making high pitched noise

Try a repair kit, it sounds like one of the rollers needs to be replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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