Maytag Dryer: thumping noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing a rhythmic thumping noise from your Maytag dryer during the tumble cycle? This could indicate an unbalanced load, worn drum support rollers, or other mechanical issues causing uneven rotation. Identifying the cause promptly can prevent further damage and ensure efficient operation.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag’s official guidance distinguishes thumping from normal sounds when large items clump and from initial roller noise after non-use.

Possible Causes

Unbalanced or clumped laundry load

How to Identify: Loud thumping primarily occurs when bulky items (sheets, comforters or tennis shoes are tumbling and clumped on one side.

Part: Drum load

Flattened drum support rollers

How to Identify: Thumping only in initial minutes after long periods of non-use; sound diminishes within a few minutes.

Part: Drum support rollers

Dryer not level or missing legs

How to Identify: Rhythmic thumping with vibration or rocking; visual uneven stance.

Part: Dryer legs/leveling

Worn internal rotating parts (rollers, drum glides, idler pulley)

How to Identify: Persistent thumping that does not diminish after initial operation, possible rough rotation felt when turning drum by hand.

Part: Drum rollers, idler pulley

DIY Solutions

Redistribute or adjust load to avoid clumping

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Pause dryer cycle
  2. Redistribute items to avoid bulky clusters
  3. Restart dryer to test if thumping persists
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer door is fully open and dryer is paused before reaching inside

Level dryer and ensure legs are secure

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Level tool, Wrench
  1. Place a level on top of the dryer
  2. Adjust legs up/down until dryer is level front-to-back and side-to-side
  3. Tighten legs and recheck leveling
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before adjusting if dryer is pushed into a tight space

Professional Repairs

Replace worn drum support rollers or idler pulley

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Inspect and replace drum glides or bearings

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Thumping noise persists after load redistribution and leveling
Drum does not rotate smoothly by hand
Noise accompanies other symptoms like squealing or grinding indicating worn parts

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly level dryer: Vibration-related thumping and noise
    Frequency: every 3 months
  • Avoid overloading and clumping loads: Load-related thumping and uneven wear
    Frequency: every use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer thumping noise?
Common causes include an unbalanced load, worn drum support rollers, or a dryer that's not level.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer thumping noise myself?
Redistribute the load to avoid clumping and ensure the dryer is level. Adjust its legs if necessary.
How much does it cost to fix thumping noise?
Professional repairs may cost between $50 to $200 depending on the parts that need replacement.
When should I call a technician for thumping noise?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue, or if you suspect worn internal parts, it's time to call a professional.

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 drum rollers or glides causing uneven drum movement
  • Loose or damaged drum belt leading to slippage
  • Foreign objects trapped in the drum or blower housing

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn drum rollers or glides. To do this, unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and check the rollers. If they are worn, replace them with new ones.

  2. Check and replace the drum belt. Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and inspect the belt for wear or damage. If it's loose or broken, replace it with a new belt.

  3. Remove any foreign objects from the drum or blower housing. Unplug the dryer, and visually inspect the drum and blower area for items that may be causing the noise. Clear any obstructions found.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Got a slimy sale of a washer and dryer that was in “excellen...

Community Discussions

thumping/rattling noise

Used a Dremel to cut off the stuck fan bolt.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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