Kenmore Dryer: squealing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dryer is making a high-pitched squealing noise during operation, it's often due to internal friction from worn components in the drum rotation system. This issue is typically noticeable when the drum spins or as the dryer heats up. Common culprits include the idler pulley, drum support rollers, or drive belt, which can lead to mechanical wear and tear.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dryers commonly exhibit squealing due to worn idler pulleys, rollers, and belts like other dryers, but model-specific part numbers and access panels vary; consult the model’s service manual. (Engineer Fix)(Appliance Mastery

Possible Causes

Worn or failing idler pulley

How to Identify: Squealing noise that changes or persists under load; pulley does not spin smoothly when turned by hand after opening dryer. (Engineer Fix(Engineer Fix

Part: Idler pulley / tension pulley

Worn drum support rollers

How to Identify: Rhythmic squealing or squeaking during drum rotation; drum may feel uneven or harder to spin by hand. (Engineer Fix(Engineer Fix

Part: Drum support rollers

Worn or loose drive belt

How to Identify: Squeal that correlates with drum rotation; visible fraying, glazing, or looseness when inspected. (Engineer Fix(Appliance Mastery

Part: Drive belt

Worn drum glide bearings / felt pads

How to Identify: High friction squeak located at drum edges; visible wear on glide pads or bearings under drum. (Engineer Fix(Appliance Mastery

Part: Drum glide bearings, felt pads

Motor bearings wear

How to Identify: Persistent squealing along with motor performance issues (starting difficulty, burning smell. (Engineer Fix(Appliance Mastery

Part: Dryer motor / motor bearings

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace idler pulley

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set, work gloves
  1. Unplug dryer and disconnect power.
  2. Remove dryer front or access panel to reach idler pulley assembly.
  3. Manually spin idler pulley to check for rough rotation.
  4. If worn, remove old idler pulley and install replacement.
  5. Reassemble panels and test dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before working inside the dryer.

Inspect and replace drum support rollers

Moderate 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set, work gloves
  1. Disconnect power and access dryer interior.
  2. Remove drum to expose support rollers.
  3. Inspect rollers for flat spots or rough rotation.
  4. Remove and replace all rollers if worn.
  5. Reassemble dryer and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Properly support drum during removal to avoid injuries.

Replace drive belt

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set
  1. Unplug the dryer and open the cabinet.
  2. Release tension on the belt using the idler pulley.
  3. Remove old belt and install new belt around drum and motor pulley.
  4. Ensure belt is seated correctly and reassemble.
  5. Run a test cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid pinching fingers during belt routing.

Clean and inspect glide bearings/felt pads

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, vacuum, clean cloth
  1. Remove dryer drum to access glide bearings and felt pads.
  2. Inspect for wear and clean any debris.
  3. Lubricate if appropriate or replace worn glide bearings/pads.
  4. Reinstall drum and test operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not use flammable lubricants inside dryer.

Professional Repairs

Motor or internal component replacement

Estimated Cost: $180 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Dryer emits smoke or burning smell during operation
Squealing persists after replacing friction components
Motor-related symptoms such as failure to start or unusual electrical behavior

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap and dryer vents: Lint buildup that can increase friction and part wear. (Engineer Fix)(Appliance Mastery
    Frequency: After every use and periodically annual vent cleaning
  • Inspect rollers, belt, and pulley every 6-12 months: Wear-related squealing noises and premature part failure
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer squealing?
The squealing is often caused by worn or failing components like the idler pulley, drum support rollers, or a loose drive belt.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer squealing myself?
To fix it, inspect and replace the idler pulley, drum support rollers, or drive belt following DIY repair steps.
How much does it cost to fix squealing?
Professional repairs for a squealing dryer can cost between $180 to $350, depending on the components that need replacement.
When should I call a technician for squealing?
If DIY repairs seem too complex or if the problem persists after basic maintenance, it's time to call 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: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn drum rollers causing friction and noise
  • Damaged or worn drive belt creating squealing sounds
  • Faulty idler pulley not maintaining tension on the drive belt

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn drum rollers. To do this, unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and take out the drum to access the rollers. Replace any that are worn or damaged.

  2. Check and replace the drive belt. Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and take out the drum to access the belt. If the belt is frayed or broken, replace it with a new one.

  3. Examine and replace the idler pulley. Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and locate the idler pulley. If it is damaged or not spinning freely, replace it.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Dryer - 14 y/o, squealing issue. Worth fixing?

Community Discussions

squealing noise when drying a heavy load

Consider using a $50 DIY repair kit that includes a belt, rollers, and a pulley.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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