Kenmore Dryer: squeaking

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dryer making a high-pitched squeaking noise? This sound often occurs during drum rotation and can happen at startup or throughout the cycle. Common causes include worn idler pulleys, drum rollers, and drive belts. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly can restore quiet operation and prolong the life of your appliance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Common issues include idler pulley, drum rollers, glides, and belts due to typical usage wear

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged idler pulley

How to Identify: Squeak that correlates with drum turning; idler pulley bearing feels rough or doesn’t spin freely when tested by hand.

Part: Idler pulley / belt tension roller

Worn drum rollers or roller shafts

How to Identify: Persistent squeaking as the drum rotates; manual rotation reveals rough movement of rollers; visible wear on roller surfaces.

Part: Drum support rollers and shafts

Dryer belt wear or looseness

How to Identify: Noise tied to belt movement; visible fraying, cracking, or looseness on belt inspection.

Part: Drive belt

Worn drum glides or bearings

How to Identify: High‑pitched squeak with metal friction around drum edges; inspection shows worn plastic glides or bearings.

Part: Drum glides / front drum bearings

Motor bearing wear

How to Identify: Persistent squeaking accompanied by difficulty starting, vibration, or burning smell; manual drum rotation irregular.

Part: Drive motor bearings

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace idler pulley

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set
  1. Unplug dryer and access the internal panel to reach idler pulley.
  2. Manually spin pulley; if rough or noisy, remove and replace with new unit.
  3. Reassemble dryer and test for noise reduction.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before internal inspection

Replace worn drum rollers

Moderate 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: socket set, screwdrivers
  1. Disconnect power and open access panel to expose drum rollers.
  2. Remove old rollers and shafts; install new rollers ensuring free spin.
  3. Reassemble and operate dryer to confirm noise resolved.
⚠️ Safety First: Support drum securely to avoid injury

Replace drive belt

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set
  1. Power off and open dryer cabinet to locate drive belt.
  2. Observe belt condition; if cracked or loose, remove and install a replacement.
  3. Ensure belt routing is correct, reassemble, and test dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Belt tension parts may spring; handle carefully

Inspect and replace drum glides/bearings

Moderate To Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set
  1. Power down and remove drum to expose glides/bearings.
  2. Inspect each for wear; replace any worn components.
  3. Reassemble drum and test machine for noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure parts are correctly seated to avoid friction

Professional Repairs

Motor bearing replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Full internal diagnosis and part replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Squeaking persists after replacing rollers, belt, and pulley
Burning smell or visible motor issues
Difficulty diagnosing internal components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter and vent: Overheating and part strain leading to noise
    Frequency: after every use or monthly
  • Inspect drum rollers and idler pulley: Wear that causes squeaking
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer squeaking?
Common causes include worn idler pulleys, drum rollers, and drive belts.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer squeaking myself?
Inspect and replace idler pulley, drum rollers, or drive belt to resolve the issue.
How much does it cost to fix squeaking?
Professional repairs range from $100 to $350 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for squeaking?
Call a technician if DIY repairs seem complex or if noise persists after attempts to fix.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Idler pulley (2 mentions)
  • Drum support roller (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace idler pulley and drum rollers

    Success rate: 100.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Need help finding parts for two Kenmore appliances
  2. Kenmore Dryer (Model 110 86572110) Fairly old.. worth keepin...

Community Discussions

squeaking

Idler pulley assembly and drum support roller suggested as potential parts.

DIY View on Reddit →

starting to squeak when drying loads

The squeak is likely due to the idler pulley or drum rollers, which can be fixed.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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