Kenmore Dryer: weird noise and overheating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dryer making weird noises like squealing or grinding, and feeling excessively hot during operation? These symptoms often indicate airflow restrictions or worn drum support components, leading to longer drying times and potential overheating. Address these issues promptly to ensure efficient and safe dryer performance.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dryers may have specific thermistor and cycling thermostat parts; use model-specific part numbers

Possible Causes

Restricted airflow (vent or lint blockage)

How to Identify: Very hot cabinet/air exhaust combined with long dry times; poor air flow at external vent; visible lint buildup

Part: Dryer vent system, lint trap, exhaust duct

Worn or failing drum support components leading to noise

How to Identify: Noise patterns: squealing or rumbling when drum turns; uneven rotation; increased noise over time

Part: Drum support rollers, drum glides/pads, idler pulley

Worn or damaged drive belt or belt assembly

How to Identify: Slapping or rattling noise; belt fray visible on inspection; inefficient rotation

Part: Drive belt

Blower wheel obstruction/damage

How to Identify: Noise (vibration or humming, reduced airflow, overheating due to poor air movement

Part: Blower wheel

Faulty heating control components (thermostat/thermistor)

How to Identify: Dryer overheats without airflow issues; temp regulation fails; tested out of spec with multimeter

Part: Cycling thermostat, thermistor

Faulty drive motor or bearings

How to Identify: Grinding or loud mechanical noise; dryer stops and restarts after cooling; resistance when manually turning drum

Part: Drive motor

Heating element stuck on or shorted

How to Identify: Excessive heat even with good airflow; scorching smell or scorched clothes; thermostat not regulating

Part: Heating element assembly

DIY Solutions

Clean vent system and lint traps

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with hose attachment, vent brush
  1. Unplug dryer and disconnect vent hose
  2. Clean lint filter; vacuum lint trap housing
  3. Brush and vacuum vent hose and external duct until airflow is clear
  4. Reassemble and test dryer airflow
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug power before working on vents

Inspect and replace worn drum support rollers and glides

Moderate 1–2 hours
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, replacement roller/glide kit
  1. Unplug dryer and access drum support rollers
  2. Remove worn rollers and glides
  3. Install new parts and reassemble dryer cabinet
  4. Test run dryer to confirm reduced noise
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct part match for model

Replace worn drive belt

Moderate 1–2 hours
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set, new belt
  1. Unplug unit
  2. Remove access panel and old belt
  3. Install new belt with correct routing
  4. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Confirm belt tension and routing

Professional Repairs

Blower wheel diagnosis and replacement

Estimated Cost: $80–$200

Replace faulty thermostats/thermistors

Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Drive motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$300

When to Call a Professional

Persistent overheating after cleaning vents and lint trap
Loud grinding or metal-on-metal noises suggesting internal wear
Failure of temperature regulation tests (multimeter)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap: airflow restriction and overheating
    Frequency: after every load
  • Vent and duct cleaning: airflow blockage and overheating
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer weird noise and overheating?
Common causes include restricted airflow, worn drum support components, or a damaged drive belt.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer weird noise and overheating myself?
You can clean the vent system, replace worn drum support rollers, or install a new drive belt.
How much does it cost to fix weird noise and overheating?
Professional repair costs range from $40 to $300, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for weird noise and overheating?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if you're uncomfortable with repairs, it's best 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: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Stuck relay on the main control board affecting heating element
  • Worn or damaged drum rollers causing noise and improper drum rotation
  • Clogged venting system leading to overheating and restricted airflow

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the stuck relay on the main control board. Unplug the dryer, remove the control panel, and check for burnt or damaged components. Replace the relay if necessary.

  2. Check and replace worn drum rollers. Open the dryer door, remove the drum, and inspect the rollers for wear. Replace any damaged rollers to ensure smooth drum operation.

  3. Clean the venting system. Disconnect the vent hose and clean out any lint or debris. Ensure that the venting is clear to allow proper airflow and prevent overheating.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Electric Dryer - Weird noise plus heat control stuck...

Community Discussions

Weird noise plus heat control stuck on

The issue was identified as a stuck relay on the main board that controls power to the heating element.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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