Maytag Dryer: squealing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Maytag dryer is making a high-pitched squealing noise during startup or while the drum spins, this can indicate mechanical issues. Common causes include a worn idler pulley, frayed drive belt, and worn drum support rollers. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your dryer operates smoothly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official troubleshooting lists lint buildup and worn belts/pulleys as causes of squealing and suggests cleaning and parts replacement. (producthelp.)search0
  • Maytag parts guides identify idler pulley, drive belt, blower wheel, drum bearings and support rollers as components that commonly wear. (producthelp.)search8

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged idler pulley

How to Identify: High‑pitched squeal from the front or belt area; noise reduces when pulley is manually spun and feels rough or stiff

Part: Idler pulley

Worn or frayed drive belt

How to Identify: Squealing that worsens under load; belt shows fraying, glazing or cracking on inspection

Part: Drive belt

Worn drum support rollers

How to Identify: Squeal that changes pitch with drum rotation; rollers feel rough or have flat spots when turned by hand

Part: Drum support rollers

Dryer drum bearing wear

How to Identify: Grinding/squeal from rear; drum resistance when rotated manually

Part: Drum bearing

Lint buildup or foreign objects

How to Identify: Intermittent squeal with visible lint accumulation or rattling of objects in drum/vent

Part: Internal components (lint screen area/blower housing)

Loose or unlevel dryer

How to Identify: Noise changes with dryer leveling adjustments

Part: Dryer legs/frame

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, nut driver, socket set
  1. Unplug the dryer and disconnect power.
  2. Remove the back or front panel to access the belt.
  3. Inspect the belt for fray, glaze or cracking.
  4. If worn, remove the old belt and install a correct replacement.
  5. Reassemble panels and test dryer with no load.
  6. Listen for noise reduction.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before servicing.

Inspect and Replace Idler Pulley

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, pliers, socket set
  1. Disconnect power.
  2. Access the idler pulley by removing appropriate panels.
  3. Manually spin the pulley; if rough, remove the old pulley.
  4. Install new idler pulley, ensure correct belt tension.
  5. Reassemble and test dryer.
  6. Verify squealing is resolved.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure belt path is correct to avoid damage.

Check and Clean Lint Buildup/Foreign Objects

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: lint brush or vacuum with crevice tool
  1. Remove lint screen and clean thoroughly.
  2. Use vacuum/brush to remove lint around housing and internal vents.
  3. Check inside drum for coins or debris.
  4. Run a brief cycle to check if noise persists.
⚠️ Safety First: Power should be off if accessing deeper lint traps.

Level the Dryer

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: bubble level, adjustable wrench
  1. Place level on dryer top to check balance.
  2. Adjust feet to ensure dryer is level side‑to‑side and front‑to‑back.
  3. Tighten feet after adjustment.
  4. Run dryer and check noise change.

Professional Repairs

Replace Drum Support Rollers or Bearings

Estimated Cost: $80–$200 (parts) + labor

Drive Motor Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400 (parts) + labor

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after replacing belt/idler pulley
Noise accompanied by burning smell or performance issues
Squealing combined with grinding or other abnormal sounds indicating deeper mechanical failure

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap and internal lint buildup: Lint‑related noise and fire risk
    Frequency: After every load / monthly deeper clean
  • Annual inspection of belt, rollers, idler pulley: Mechanical wear that leads to squealing
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer squealing?
Common causes include worn idler pulley, frayed drive belt, or drum support rollers.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer squealing myself?
Inspect and replace the drive belt or idler pulley; clean lint buildup.
How much does it cost to fix squealing?
Professional repairs range from $80 to $400, depending on parts and labor.
When should I call a technician for squealing?
If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue, or if it persists, seek professional help.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn idler pulley (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace idler pulley

    Success rate: 100.0%

  2. Consider a maintenance kit (belt, pulley, rollers)

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Dryer is squealing, if I pull on the idler spring it stops.
  2. Maytag dryer squealing loudly on startup for a minute or 2. ...

Community Discussions

squealing loudly on startup for a minute or 2

Replace idler pulley

DIY View on Reddit →

Dryer is squealing

Replace the idler pulley wheel or consider a maintenance kit that includes belt, pulley, and rollers.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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