If your dryer makes a strange noise but not spinning, there is most likely an issue with the drive belt. A drive belt is the part that allows the drum to spin during a cycle. It fits between the motor and the drum pulley. While the drive belt is the most common cause, other causes can include issues with the idler pulley, worn dryer rollers, glides, support bearing, or a defective motor.
We have compiled a list of simple steps you can take to troubleshoot your dryer.
The dryer humming but not spinning is a good indication of an issue with your dryer’s drive belt. It could be damaged, worn, or broken. You can test this without removing any panels by reaching inside the dryer and trying to turn the drum manually. If the drum turns easily without any resistance, then you should look at the drive belt as it is likely defective.
Before you can start working on your dryer, you will need to gain access. For most models, you will need to remove the front panel and often the top panel of the dryer as well. If you are unsure which panels will need to be removed to check the condition of the dryer belt, then consult your owner’s manual, which will give you model-specific instructions.
Ensure you have disconnected your dryer from its power source before starting work. You may be able to remove the top panel using a putty knife to release it, depending on the model. After the top panel is off, disconnect the door switch wiring harness and unscrew the front panel of the dryer so you can remove it.
You will need to locate the drive belt, which should be tight around the drum. Check to see if the belt is worn or broken. Unfortunately, if the belt is not in good condition, it will need to be replaced before your dryer will work. You should call a repair technician if this is the case.
If your drive belt is in good condition, the issue may be that the belt has come off the idler pulley. You will need to visually inspect the dryer belt and pulleys to see if the belt has come off. If so, the belt will need to be put back on before your dryer will work. You should also replace any damaged pulleys.
The idler pulley is important because it helps rotate the dryer drum. It does this by putting tension on the drive belt. The tension should ensure the belt does not come off. Hearing squeaking along with the humming is a common indication one or all of your bearings inside the idler pulley are worn.
Your dryer drum has rollers that help it to rotate. Depending on the model, there may be two or more rollers that support the rear of the drum. Other models have two extra rollers to support the front of the drum as well.
These rollers and their axles are prone to wearing out, which results in the drum either struggling or failing to rotate. The squeaking sound combined with the humming may indicate a problem with the rollers in addition to the idler pulley.
When a dryer has stopped mid-cycle, that often indicates a failing motor. If the motor has overheated, it can cause the dryer to shut down. A new motor can be expensive, so it is best to consult a trained technician.
If you have gone through and checked all of those components, there are a few last things you can check before you call a qualified technician.
You should always avoid overloading your dryer with clothes. If your dryer is overloaded, air will not be able to circulate properly, and it will increase your drying time. It will also place undue stress on your machine. A heavy drum puts extra stress on the dryer’s components and can cause the drum to rotate haphazardly and vibrate. This can lead to problems if one of the components is damaged or broken. If you hear your dryer vibrating loudly, you should stop it straight away and remove some of the items inside.
If your dryer isn’t level, it will vibrate and make other noises when it is running.
Nowadays, most dryers have leveling feet, which means you can adjust them so that your dryer sits level. You can use a bubble level and sit it on top to check if your dryer is level. The bubble should be sitting in the middle of the level. If your dryer is not sitting evenly, adjust the legs so the weight is evenly distributed across all four feet.
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