Maytag Dryer: squeaking noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a high-pitched squeaking noise from your Maytag dryer? This common issue often occurs during drum rotation, especially at startup or under load. It can be caused by worn belts, idler pulleys, or drum support rollers, and may indicate the need for maintenance or repair.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official troubleshooting identifies loose legs, lint buildup, and worn belts/pulleys as causes; professional service recommended for internal cleaning and aging components.

Possible Causes

Worn or misaligned drive belt

How to Identify: Squeaking from the back of the dryer during drum rotation, often worse under load; visual inspection may show fraying, cracks, or looseness.

Part: Drive belt

Worn or failing idler pulley

How to Identify: Squeaking or squealing from the front-bottom area as the pulley rotates; belt tension issues observed; pulley may not spin freely by hand when motor off.

Part: Idler pulley

Worn drum support rollers

How to Identify: Squeaking or squealing that changes with drum rotation and load, visual wear or flat spots on rollers detected; drum doesn’t rotate smoothly by hand.

Part: Drum support rollers

Lint buildup in belt/pulley area

How to Identify: Noise accompanied by visible lint accumulation inside the dryer when panels removed; cleaning reduces noise temporarily.

Part: Internal belt and pulleys

Worn drum bearings

How to Identify: Squeaking/grinding noise when drum spins by hand with belt removed; noise from rear/back of dryer.

Part: Drum bearings

Unlevel or loose dryer legs

How to Identify: Dryer vibrates or shifts and squeaks intermittently; adjusting feet to level stops noise.

Part: Dryer leveling feet

DIY Solutions

Level the dryer

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: level, wrench
  1. Place a level on top of the dryer front-to-back and side-to-side.
  2. Adjust the dryer legs by turning them until the dryer is level.
  3. Tighten the leg lock nuts and test run the dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug dryer before moving it to prevent tipping.

Clean lint and debris in pulley/belt areas

Moderate 30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum, lint brush, screwdriver
  1. Unplug the dryer and remove back/top panel to access belt and pulley area.
  2. Use a vacuum and lint brush to remove accumulated lint around pulleys and belt.
  3. Reassemble panels and test the dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be disconnected before opening the dryer.

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, wrench, replacement belt
  1. Unplug dryer and remove access panels.
  2. Locate and inspect the drive belt around the drum and pulleys.
  3. Remove worn belt and install correct replacement ensuring proper routing.
  4. Reassemble panels and test the dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before working inside dryer.

Inspect and replace idler pulley

Moderate 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, pliers, replacement idler pulley
  1. Disconnect power and remove access panels.
  2. Locate the idler pulley and check for free spin and wear.
  3. Remove old pulley and install a new one, ensuring proper belt tension.
  4. Reassemble and test dryer operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be off; belt tension spring can be under stress.

Replace drum support rollers

Advanced 90–180 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, wrenches, replacement rollers
  1. Disconnect power and open dryer cabinet.
  2. Remove drum to access support rollers.
  3. Remove worn rollers and install replacements.
  4. Reassemble dryer and test for reduced noise.
⚠️ Safety First: Complex disassembly; keep track of parts and proper reassembly.

Professional Repairs

Replace motor or internal bearings

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500+

Full internal cleaning and tune-up

Estimated Cost: $100 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Squeaking persists after DIY inspections and part replacements
Motor makes unusual noises or dryer fails to rotate smoothly by hand
Internal components like bearings are worn or damaged

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint screen and check interior lint monthly: Lint buildup causing pulley/belt squeaks
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect belt and rollers annually: Wear-related squeaking and potential failure
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer squeaking noise?
Common causes include worn drive belts, failing idler pulleys, or worn drum support rollers.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer squeaking noise myself?
You can level the dryer, clean lint buildup, or inspect and replace the drive belt or idler pulley.
How much does it cost to fix squeaking noise?
Professional repairs can range from $200 to $500+ for motor replacement and $100 to $200 for a tune-up.
When should I call a technician for squeaking noise?
If the noise persists after DIY fixes or if the issue seems complex, it's best to call a technician.

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

  • Worn idler pulley causing friction
  • Damaged or worn drum rollers leading to uneven rotation
  • Loose or worn drive belt creating noise during operation

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the idler pulley: Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and locate the idler pulley. Remove the old pulley and install a new one. Reassemble the dryer and test.

  2. Replace drum rollers: Unplug the dryer, remove the drum, and check the drum rollers for wear. Replace any damaged rollers, reassemble the dryer, and test for noise.

  3. Check and replace the drive belt: Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and inspect the drive belt for wear. Replace it if necessary. Reassemble the dryer and test.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Replacing a Maytag Dryer belt

Community Discussions

loud squeaking/rubbing noise when starting

Replace the idler pulley and possibly the belt and drum rollers.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!