Simpson Dryer: making noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Simpson Dryer making unusual noises like squeaking or grinding? These sounds often indicate mechanical wear or foreign object interference during drum rotation. Common causes include worn drum support rollers, a faulty drive belt, and idler pulley issues. Addressing these problems early can prevent further damage and ensure your dryer operates smoothly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Simpson Models

  • Some community repair videos for Simpson dryers show drum bearing replacement as an effective fix for loud noises.

Possible Causes

Worn or damaged drum support rollers

How to Identify: Squeaking or grinding noise tied to drum rotation; noise increases with load; drum rough to turn by hand; visible wear on rollers/axles.

Part: Drum support rollers / axles

Faulty or worn drive belt

How to Identify: Thumping, slapping, or squealing noise; belt appears frayed, cracked, or loose if inspected.

Part: Drive belt

Idler pulley failure

How to Identify: High‑pitched squeal or squeak especially at startup; pulley feels stiff or rough when spun by hand.

Part: Idler pulley

Motor or blower wheel issue

How to Identify: Persistent grinding, buzzing, or multiple types of noise; noise unaffected by load balancing or roller/belt checks.

Part: Motor bearings or blower wheel

DIY Solutions

Remove foreign objects and clean lint

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: flashlight, vacuum
  1. Unplug the dryer.
  2. Open the drum and visually inspect for small items (coins, buttons) and remove them.
  3. Clean the lint trap and vacuum any accessible lint around the drum interior.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before internal inspection.

Level the dryer

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: level, wrench or pliers
  1. Place a level on top of the dryer.
  2. Adjust the leveling legs by screwing in/out until the dryer is even.
  3. Retest dryer to see if noise is reduced.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is stable to prevent movement during cycles.

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, nut driver, replacement belt
  1. Unplug the dryer and access the internal belt area via rear or front panel.
  2. Inspect belt for cracks or wear, remove the old belt.
  3. Install a new, correct spec belt and reassemble panels.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct belt routing; avoid working on motor area if uncomfortable.

Replace drum rollers or idler pulley

Advanced 1-2 hours
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set, replacement rollers/pulley
  1. Disconnect power and access internal dryer components.
  2. Remove drum and inspect rollers or idler pulley for wear.
  3. Replace worn components with matched parts and reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Requires mechanical skill and careful reassembly; consult model service manual.

Next step

Choose the next step for making noise

Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.

Based on diagnostic data

Most relevant component to inspect

Dryer Drum Roller

Supports the dryer drum and lets it rotate smoothly inside the cabinet.

Typical part-only price
$20 - $70
DIY difficulty
Medium
Estimated time
45-90 mins
Where can I find the model number?

Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.

Find a part that fits my model

Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.

Other parts options

Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.

Possible related component

Drive Belt

Transfers rotational power from the motor to turn the drum or tub.

$15 - $35 · Easy · 20-30 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Dryer Idler Pulley

Maintains tension on the dryer drum belt as the drum rotates.

$15 - $45 · Medium · 30-60 mins

Check fit & price
Possible related component

Dryer Blower Wheel

Moves heated air through the dryer drum and exhaust system.

$25 - $70 · Medium · 45-90 mins

Check fit & price
Model number required

Model-compatible Dryer parts

Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.

Find a part that fits my model

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.

Optional routine care

Maintenance supplies

These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.

Maintenance supply

Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit

Helps remove routine lint buildup from an accessible dryer vent path. It does not diagnose or repair an E-code or failed component.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Lint Trap Cleaning Brush

A narrow brush for routine cleaning around an accessible lint screen and housing.

View maintenance supply
Maintenance supply

Dryer Vent Hose Kit

A replacement exhaust duct option for visibly crushed or damaged external venting. Check diameter, length, local code, and installation clearance.

View maintenance supply

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.

Professional Repairs

Motor or blower wheel replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Noise continues after basic DIY checks and part replacements.
Burning smells, smoke, or overheating detected during operation.
Motor or blower wheel suspected as noise source.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap: Foreign object build‑up and friction noise
    Frequency: Every load
  • Annual internal inspection for wear on rollers/pulleys: Wear‑related noises and mechanical failure
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Simpson Dryer making noise?
Common causes include worn drum support rollers, a faulty drive belt, and idler pulley failure.
How do I fix Simpson Dryer making noise myself?
You can check for foreign objects, clean lint, level the dryer, or replace the drive belt.
How much does it cost to fix making noise?
Professional repairs for motor or blower wheel replacement can cost between $150 and $350.
When should I call a technician for making noise?
Call a technician if you encounter complex issues like motor failure or if DIY solutions don't resolve the noise.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn or damaged drum rollers or glides causing noise during tumbling
  • Loose or damaged belt leading to clunking and scraping sounds
  • Foreign objects trapped in the drum or blower wheel causing whirring noises

User Suggested Solutions

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

  2. Check and replace the drive belt. Disconnect power, remove the front panel, and inspect the belt for damage. Replace with a new belt if it is frayed or broken. Reassemble the dryer.

  3. Remove any foreign objects from the drum or blower wheel. Open the dryer door and inspect the drum for any items that may have fallen in. Also check the blower wheel area for obstructions.

Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View Sources

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

  1. Replaced drive belt on dryer and now it is making a whirring...
  2. Dryer Drum Bolt Sheared Off

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