Maytag Dryer: squealing noise, drum hard to turn, not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a squealing noise from your Maytag dryer, along with a drum that is hard to turn and failure to start? This can indicate worn drum support rollers, a damaged drive belt, or other mechanical issues. Addressing these problems promptly can restore your dryer's functionality and prevent further damage.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official documentation specifically calls out belt and pulley wear and lint buildup as causes of squealing.

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged drum support rollers or axles

How to Identify: Squealing during rotation, drum hard to turn by hand, visible wear on rollers

Part: Drum support rollers and axles

Worn or broken drive belt or idler pulley

How to Identify: Squealing at start-up, drum not turning, belt visibly worn or broken when inspected

Part: Dryer belt, idler pulley

Worn drum bearing

How to Identify: Squealing or grinding noises, drum hard to turn, bearing shows wear or lacks lubrication

Part: Drum bearing

Obstruction in blower wheel or housing

How to Identify: Noise often accompanied by airflow reduction or unusual sound from back of dryer, obstruction visible upon inspection

Part: Blower wheel and housing

Faulty drive motor

How to Identify: Motor hums but drum doesn’t turn, drum hard to manually turn, noise persists after belt removal

Part: Drive motor

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace worn drum support rollers

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, socket set, pliers, vacuum
  1. Unplug dryer and remove front or top panel to access drum rollers
  2. Manually inspect each roller for wear or flat spots
  3. Remove worn rollers and axles, vacuum lint and debris
  4. Install new rollers, reassemble dryer and test spin
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before opening dryer

Inspect and replace dryer belt and idler pulley

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, pliers
  1. Disconnect power and access dryer cabinet to locate belt and idler pulley
  2. Check belt for fraying or breakage and pulley for wear
  3. Replace worn belt and pulley, ensure correct routing
  4. Reassemble and test dryer
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct belt tension and alignment

Clear lint and debris from blower housing

Easy 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with crevice tool, screwdriver
  1. Unplug dryer and remove back panel
  2. Inspect blower housing for lint or objects
  3. Remove obstructions and vacuum thoroughly
  4. Reassemble and test
⚠️ Safety First: Watch for sharp edges inside housing

Professional Repairs

Replace drum bearing

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Replace or repair drive motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Drum still hard to turn after replacing belt and rollers
Motor humming but drum not turning
Significant smoke or burning smell from dryer

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap and lint chute regularly: Lint buildup that can contribute to noise and wear
    Frequency: Every load
  • Check drum support rollers annually: Excessive wear that leads to squealing
    Frequency: Annually
  • Keep dryer level: Uneven wear on rollers and components
    Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer squealing noise, drum hard to turn, not starting?
Common causes include worn drum support rollers, a damaged drive belt, or a faulty drive motor.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer squealing noise, drum hard to turn, not starting myself?
You can inspect and replace worn rollers, belts, and clear lint from the blower housing.
How much does it cost to fix squealing noise, drum hard to turn, not starting?
Professional repairs typically range from $50 to $400, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for squealing noise, drum hard to turn, not starting?
If the DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue, or if you're uncomfortable with repairs, 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?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn drum bearings causing friction and noise
  • Faulty drive belt that is worn or broken
  • Defective motor or motor capacitor preventing start

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the drum bearings. Disconnect the dryer, remove the front panel, and replace the worn bearings with new ones. Ensure to lubricate them properly before reassembly.

  2. Inspect and replace the drive belt. Open the dryer, check the belt for wear, and replace it if necessary. Make sure to route the new belt correctly around the drum and motor.

  3. Test and replace the motor or motor capacitor. Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the motor. If defective, replace the motor or capacitor to restore function.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. 30-year-old Maytag dryer squeals like crazy but ONLY on 2nd ...

Community Discussions

squeals on 2nd load, difficult to turn drum, doesn't start or hums

Possible bad bearing causing tightness and squealing; maintenance kit recommended.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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