A dryer that suddenly gets loud is almost always trying to tell you something is wrong. A new banging, squealing, or rattling sound usually means a part is wearing out, something is loose, or the dryer is working harder than it should.
Under normal conditions, a dryer makes a steady, low whooshing sound as the drum turns and air moves through the system. When that sound suddenly changes to a bang, squeal, grind, or rattle, it usually points to a specific problem inside the machine.
Loud dryer noises often come from worn moving parts, an unbalanced load, or an object that has gotten where it should not be.
Different dryer noises usually match different issues. A heavy thump as the drum turns may mean the drum is no longer gliding smoothly on its rollers.
A high‑pitched squeal points toward strain on the belt or pulleys. A grinding or metal‑on‑metal sound is more serious and can mean a bearing or glide has worn down so far that metal parts are scraping together.
Some loud dryer noises are more annoying than dangerous, but others can be early warning signs of a real safety issue.
If the dryer drum does not turn smoothly, clothes may not tumble properly and heat may build up in one spot. That can increase the risk of scorching, overheating, or even a fire if lint is allowed to build up and ignite against a hot surface.
Noise can also be an early clue that a motor, belt, or pulley is working under more stress than it was designed for.
The longer the dryer runs with an internal part screaming, grinding, or banging, the higher the chance that a minor repair turns into a major one.
Shutting the dryer off and having it inspected is a smart move if the sound changes suddenly, especially if it is paired with a burning smell or a hot, electrical odor.
Before thinking about parts and repairs, it helps to name the kind of sound the dryer is making. A noisy dryer does not always mean the same problem; a specific type of noise tends to line up with specific causes.
A loud banging or thumping as the drum turns is one of the most common dryer complaints. Often, the sound repeats in a steady rhythm that matches drum rotation. In some cases, the cause is simple: a heavy item like a large towel, comforter, or rug may be wadding into a ball and thumping against the drum as it turns.
If redistributing the load does not stop the banging, the issue may be worn drum rollers or their axles. These rollers support the drum as it spins.
Over time they can develop flat spots, seize up, or wear unevenly.
When that happens, the drum can bounce slightly as it turns, creating a deep thumping or banging sound that will not go away on its own. Continuing to run the dryer this way can wear the rollers and axles further and stress the motor.
A squealing or squeaking dryer often makes a high‑pitched noise that is especially noticeable at the start of the cycle.
Sometimes it quiets a bit as the dryer runs, only to come back louder on the next load. This sound often points to an issue with the idler pulley, which keeps tension on the drive belt, or with the drum bearing and slides.
As these parts lose lubrication or wear down, they begin to drag instead of rolling smoothly.
That friction shows up as a squeal, chirp, or shriek. Squeaks are more than just irritating; they are a warning that something is close to failing. Ignoring them can lead to a belt that snaps or a bearing that seizes, leaving the dryer unable to spin at all.
Grinding, rumbling, or metal‑on‑metal noises are more serious and should never be ignored. These sounds can mean the drum is no longer riding on its supports properly.
When a bearing fails or a glide wears down to the backing, the drum can start to scrape directly against metal brackets or the cabinet.
In other cases, a foreign object such as a screw, nail, or bra wire can get lodged between the drum and the frame. As the drum turns, the object is dragged along, scraping loudly.
Running the dryer in this condition can gouge the drum, damage the cabinet, and send metal shavings into the airflow.
A rattling or vibrating dryer often sounds like metal tapping or shaking and may get louder when the load is heavy or the speed is higher. Sometimes the cause is benign: coins, buttons, or metal hardware left in pockets can rattle around the drum, especially in the baffles that lift the clothes.
If the noise seems to come from the lower front or rear of the dryer rather than from inside the drum, the blower wheel may be loose or cracked.
Loose screws, panels, or vent connections can also rattle. A dryer that vibrates excessively or walks across the floor may simply be unlevel, but it can also indicate worn supports or internal components.
A humming dryer that does not turn is a very specific warning sign. In this situation, you may hear the motor hum when you press start, but the drum stays still. This can point to a snapped or badly worn drive belt, a jammed drum, or a motor that is failing under load.
Trying to repeatedly start a dryer in this condition can overheat the motor and potentially damage the wiring. It is better to stop, unplug the machine, and have the problem diagnosed before the motor burns out completely.
Most loud dryer noises trace back to a handful of wearable parts. Understanding what they do helps explain why the sounds appear.
Drum rollers and their axles help carry the weight of the drum and the wet load as it spins. When these rollers are in good shape, the drum turns smoothly. As they wear, they can develop flat spots or lose their ability to spin freely. The result is often a deep rumble or rhythmic thump that repeats with every rotation.
Replacing rollers in pairs is usually recommended because if one has failed, the others are often close behind. Fresh rollers can make a noisy dryer feel almost new again when the sound was coming from the drum support.
The idler pulley keeps tension on the drive belt, which wraps around the drum and motor pulley. A worn or misaligned idler can squeal, chirp, or screech as it spins. A stretched, cracked, or frayed belt can slap against the drum or pulleys, producing a slapping or flapping noise.
If the belt snaps, the motor may still run and hum, but the drum will not move. At that point, the dryer will not dry, and continued attempts to use it can damage the motor.
Drum glides or slides are small pads that let the front of the drum slide smoothly against a support bracket. Bearings often support the rear of the drum. When these wear down, the drum can sag, scrape, and grind. The sound may start as a light scraping and progress into a harsh metal‑on‑metal noise.
Ignoring this type of noise can wear grooves into the drum or support brackets, turning a small part replacement into a much more expensive repair.
The blower wheel moves hot air through the drum and out the exhaust. If lint, threads, or debris wrap around the blower, or if it cracks or comes loose on the shaft, it can rattle, roar, or vibrate loudly. A failing motor may whine, growl, or hum, especially under load.
Because these parts are tied directly to the dryer’s airflow and heat, problems in this area deserve prompt attention. A damaged blower or motor can affect drying performance as well as noise.
There are a few basic, safe checks a homeowner can try before calling in a technician. These do not require opening the cabinet or working near wiring.
First, pause the cycle, open the door, and redistribute the clothes. Overloading or letting heavy items ball up can create pounding and vibration that sounds worse than it is. Running smaller, balanced loads can reduce noise and wear.
Next, make sure the dryer is level. All four feet should touch the floor solidly. If the dryer rocks when pushed, adjust the leveling feet until it sits firmly. A dryer that is out of level can vibrate, walk, and amplify other sounds.
Check inside the drum and around the door for coins, screws, and other small metal objects. Inspect the lint filter area and the space just inside the drum opening. Sometimes a forgotten object can lodge where it clicks or scrapes every time the drum turns.
From the outside, gently press on access panels, the top, and the control panel. If a screw has worked loose, tightening it can eliminate a buzz or rattle.
While basic checks are safe, many noisy dryer problems involve high heat, sharp edges, moving parts, and electrical components. It is best not to DIY if:
There is a burning smell or visible smoke
The noise is grinding, screeching, or metal‑on‑metal
The dryer hums, but the drum does not turn
Removing covers or belts would be necessary to investigate
In these cases, opening the dryer can be unsafe and may void warranties. A qualified technician can safely diagnose the issue, source the correct parts, and make the repair.
If the noise started suddenly, did not go away after checking the load and leveling, or is getting worse from one cycle to the next, it is time to call for dryer repair. Continuing to run a loud dryer can turn a simple roller or belt replacement into a full drum, motor, or cabinet repair.
When calling, be ready to describe:
The exact sound (banging, squealing, grinding, rattling, humming)
When it happens (at start‑up, all the time, only with large loads)
How long has it been going on
The brand and model of your dryer, if available
Details like these help a technician arrive with the most likely parts and solve the problem faster.
Homeowners in Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati area rely heavily on their laundry appliances, and a dryer that suddenly sounds like a jet engine or a rock tumbler can throw off the whole household routine.
A Niceley's a local, family‑run service company that specializes in appliance repair can inspect your noisy dryer, pinpoint the cause, and replace worn parts before they fail completely.
Professional technicians handle loud dryer issues every day, from worn rollers and belts to failing motors.
With upfront pricing, access to fast parts, and experience with all major brands, a local repair team can often get a noisy dryer back to normal in a single visit.
If your dryer has suddenly become loud, scheduling service now is the best way to protect your appliance, your energy bill, and your peace and quiet.