How to Fix the Drum Bearings for a Noisy Dryer

Drum bearings are especially susceptible to wear and tear over time. They need to be adequately lubricated to work properly. If they do not have enough grease or have simply worn out, then your washer will likely make a squeaking noise whenever you use it. Over time, they may also become loose and may even fall over and get jammed inside the dryer. When this happens, the drum may stop spinning, and the belt might even break as well. If you hear an aggressive rubbing noise coming from your machine, then the drum bearings are likely the cause.

Diagnosing the Rear Drum Bearing

Inspect your dryer's self-lubricating bearing if you hear a chirping, rattling, or grinding sound from it. You would also want to look at the shaft that it is mounted on and clear it of any debris. Learn how to do so by watching the video below:

Diagnosing the Front Drum Bearing

Run your fingers through the drum bearing to check for cuts or sharp pieces as Chris does in this video:

What are Drum Bearings?

The dryer has both a front and rear drum bearing. Front drum bearings are model-specific. Some have a large plastic tab that sits on the top half of the underside of the front panel, while others have a felt-like seal around the front of the drum. Rear drum bearings are different depending on the type of machine you have. Some dryers have rollers at the back of the drum which hold the drum in place while others have a seal and bearing case in the center of the rear of the drum.

The drum bearings are responsible for supporting the drum as it spins your clothes during the drying cycle. The bearings help reduce the friction created when the drum is spinning, which keeps the drum stable and reduces noise. The drum bearings are susceptible to wear and tear over time, and if this is the case, the drum may not spin well, and create a loud noise.

Where are the Drum Bearings Located?

The rear drum bearing can be found at the back of your dryer drum, while the front bearing is on the underside of the front panel of the dryer.

General Location of the Drum Bearings in a Dryer

What Type of Noise Can You Expect?

If your dryer's drum bearings are defective, you may hear either a loud and aggressive rubbing noise or a squeaking noise, as demonstrated in the video below.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Rear Drum Bearing

1. For safety purposes, ensure that the power supply to your dryer is switched off.
2. Lift the top panel from your dryer and let it hang back.
3. Detach the front panel to gain access to the drum and disconnect the wire connectors to the door.
4. Push down on the idler pulley to release the belt.
5. Lift the belt sharply from the top to release the drum from the drum bearing and then pull the drum out from the front of the dryer.
6. Remove any screws or clips that hold the rear drum bearing in place.
7. Examine the drum bearing for any signs of wear and tear.

How to Install a Rear Drum Bearing

1. Place the new drum bearing in position before reinstalling the screws/clips to hold it in place.
2. Carefully slide the drum back into the dryer through the front.
3. Fit the grooved end of the belt around the drum and motor pulley and keep the flat side on the idler pulley.
4. Give the drum a little spin using your hands to verify that it moves freely.
5. Place the front panel back on the machine and reconnect the wire connectors.
6. Place top panel back on and secure it in place.
7. Plug your machine in, and your repair is complete.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Front Drum Bearing

1. Always begin your repairs by unplugging your dryer for your safety.
2. Remove the top panel of your dryer.
3. Remove the front panel to access the bearings; you may need to disconnect the wires for from your lid switch.
4. If your dryer model has a front bearing which is made of plastic, you can find it behind the front panel. Turn the front panel around and you will be able to view the top bearing.
5. If there is a light bulb, remove this first, before removing the bearing.
6. Disengage the tabs/clips or screws holding the drum bearing to the front panel of the dryer and pull the drum bearing off.
7. Inspect the drum bearing for any signs of wear and tear.
8. If there is any sign of damage to the bearings, you will need to replace them.

How to Install a Front Drum Bearing

Next: Troubleshooting the Belt

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