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TUMBLE DRYER FAULTS

Tumble Dryer Making Noise

Squealing, scraping, rumbling and knocking can come from worn rollers, bearings, belt tensioners, trapped objects or loose drum components.

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Switch off and unplug before cleaning inside, removing panels or checking moving parts

Tumble dryers combine mains electricity, high heat, lint and rotating components. Stop using the appliance if it overheats, trips the electrics, smells burnt or makes grinding noises.

MOST LIKELY CAUSES

Start with these

Worn drum rollers Flat spots or bearings create rumbling.
Rear bearing fault A dry or worn bearing can squeal or grind.
Belt or pulley problem The drive system may chirp or slap.
Foreign object Coins and fasteners can scrape between the drum and cabinet.
◫ Symptom variations Match the exact point in the drying cycle. ⌄
  • Squeal during rotation
  • Rumbling gets louder with load
  • Scraping once per revolution
  • Knocking from cabinet
  • Noise worsened gradually
✓ Quick checks Simple checks before removing panels. ⌄
  1. Note when the fault appears.
  2. Clean all accessible lint filters.
  3. Check the load size and programme.
  4. Inspect visible vents, condenser parts and the power lead.
  5. Unplug before touching internal parts.
If airflow was the cause: performance should improve immediately.
If electrical or mechanical faults remain: stop and call an appliance engineer.
1 Step 1 — Identify when the noise occurs Switch off and unplug before opening panels or touching internal parts. ⌄

Process

Note whether it starts immediately, only with load or only when hot.

Success looks like: The likely moving part is narrowed down.
Escalate when: Grinding or burning smell means stop use.
2 Step 2 — Turn the drum by hand with power off Switch off and unplug before opening panels or touching internal parts. ⌄

Process

Rotate gently and listen for roughness or scraping.

Success looks like: The fault pattern becomes clearer.
Escalate when: Heavy resistance suggests a seized part.
3 Step 3 — Check visible areas for trapped objects Switch off and unplug before opening panels or touching internal parts. ⌄

Process

Inspect the door seal, drum gap and pockets.

Success looks like: A simple obstruction is removed.
Escalate when: Internal objects require dismantling.
⌁ Common causes explained Why tumble dryer faults develop. ⌄

Squealing, scraping, rumbling and knocking can come from worn rollers, bearings, belt tensioners, trapped objects or loose drum components.

Airflow and heat are the biggest clues. Poor airflow causes long drying and overheating, while belt, motor and bearing faults affect drum movement and noise.

⌘ Advanced diagnostics Appliance-engineer checks and repair work. ⌄
  • Inspect drum rollers and shafts.
  • Check rear bearing.
  • Inspect belt, tensioner and pulley.
  • Check blower wheel.
  • Inspect drum seals.
▣ Parts that may need replacing Common components linked to this fault. ⌄
  • Drum rollers
  • Rear bearing
  • Drive belt
  • Idler pulley
  • Drum seal
! When to call an appliance engineer Conditions that should end basic troubleshooting. ⌄
  • The dryer trips the electrics.
  • The cabinet overheats or smells burnt.
  • The drum is seized, grinding or not turning.
  • Internal electrical testing is required.
  • The dryer must be dismantled.
  • The same fault returns after basic cleaning.
? Frequently asked questions Common tumble dryer questions. ⌄

Why does the dryer stop and restart after cooling?

Thermal protection may be operating because airflow is restricted or a motor is overheating.

Can lint cause a fire?

Yes. Filters, vents and condenser areas should be kept clean and the appliance should never be used while overheating.

Should I keep resetting the electrics?

No. Unplug the dryer and arrange fault testing.