Maytag Dryer: rattling noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dryer making a rattling noise? This common issue can disrupt your laundry routine, often sounding like loose hardware, small objects tumbling, or internal vibrations. Understanding the causes—such as loose items in the drum, blower wheel problems, or worn drum support rollers—can help you address the issue effectively and restore your dryer to quiet operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official guidance focuses first on object removal and leveling before internal component issues.
  • Maytag dryers sometimes exhibit rattling due to improper spacing next to washers causing vibration transfer.

Possible Causes

Loose objects in drum or lint chute

How to Identify: Rattling noise accompanied by detected foreign objects when inspecting drum or lint chute

Part: Drum interior / lint chute

Blower wheel issues (loose or damaged)

How to Identify: Rattling louder at higher speeds; noise seems internal rather than from drum surface

Part: Blower wheel / housing

Worn drum support rollers or bearings

How to Identify: Rattling with movement of drum; drum doesn’t turn smoothly by hand

Part: Drum support rollers / bearings

DIY Solutions

Remove Loose Objects in Drum & Chute

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Open dryer door and check drum for coins, buttons, or other objects.
  3. Remove lint screen and look into lint chute, removing any debris or objects.
  4. Run a short empty cycle to confirm noise is gone.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before reaching into interior parts.

Level Dryer and Ensure Clearance

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Level, Wrench (for adjusting legs)
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Use a level on top of dryer to check.
  3. Adjust leveling legs with wrench until dryer is level.
  4. Move dryer so it doesn’t touch washer or walls.
  5. Test dryer to confirm reduced vibration.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is stationary and stable before testing.

Professional Repairs

Tighten Internal Hardware & Check Panel Alignment

Estimated Cost: $50 - $120

Inspect/Replace Blower Wheel

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Replace Worn Drum Support Rollers or Bearings

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Rattling continues after checking for loose objects and leveling
Noise appears internal and louder at higher speeds
Signs of worn parts

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Objects accumulating and airflow issues causing noise
    Frequency: After every use
  • Level dryer: Vibration noise due to imbalance
    Frequency: After installation and when relocating

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer rattling noise?
Common causes include loose objects in the drum, blower wheel issues, or worn drum support rollers.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer rattling noise myself?
Unplug the dryer, check for loose objects in the drum and lint chute, and ensure the dryer is level.
How much does it cost to fix rattling noise?
Professional repairs range from $50 to $250, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for rattling noise?
Consider calling a technician if DIY fixes don't resolve the noise or if internal components need inspection.

References & Sources

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

  • Loose or worn drum rollers
  • Damaged blower fan
  • Foreign object in the drum or blower
  • Worn drive belt
  • Faulty idler pulley

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace loose or worn drum rollers. Open the dryer door, remove the drum, and check the rollers for wear. Replace if necessary.

  2. Check the blower fan for damage. Remove the front panel of the dryer and inspect the blower assembly for any cracks or debris. Replace if damaged.

  3. Look for foreign objects in the drum or blower. Remove the lint trap and check for any items lodged inside. Clear any debris found.

  4. Inspect and replace the drive belt if worn. Open the dryer cabinet, remove the drum, and check the belt for fraying. Replace if necessary.

  5. Check the idler pulley for wear. Access the drive system, inspect the pulley for damage, and replace if it shows signs of wear.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Dryer Noise

Community Discussions

rattling/humming noise

The issue was identified as a problem with the blower fan.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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