Noisy Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryer noises most commonly come from the belt tension pulleys, worn drum support bearings, or – if the drum is scraping – something the drum is catching on as it rotates. The type of noise is the most useful diagnostic clue: metallic scraping, squeaking, and rumbling each point to different components. Many tumble dryer noises require significant strip-down to repair, as internal components are not accessible without removing the front or side panels.
Tumble dryers – particularly condenser and heat pump models – are more complex internally than washing machines and can be significantly harder to disassemble and reassemble correctly. This guide covers fault diagnosis by noise type. Specific strip-down instructions depend on the model and are not covered here.
Metallic Scraping Noise
A metallic scraping noise means the drum is catching on another component as it rotates. Continuing to run the dryer will cause progressive wear on both components involved – a simple, inexpensive fault can quickly become a serious and expensive one if left unaddressed.
Metallic scraping from a rotating drum has two main causes:
Drum catching on the casing or back panel
Budget dryers and some poorly built premium models can have flimsy casings with insufficient clearance between the drum and the rear panel. If the machine is not level the casing can twist slightly, closing this clearance further and allowing the drum to catch. Check that the dryer is level front-to-back and side-to-side. Some Hotpoint and Indesit models were particularly prone to this fault and received design modifications as a result.
Worn front drum support bearings
The drum rests and rotates on plastic support bearings at the front of the machine. As these wear down, the front lip of the drum drops and can begin to scrape on the metal surround of the front panel opening. This is a progressive fault that worsens with continued use. Replacement bearings are available from Spares4Appliances, though access typically requires front panel removal.
Squeaking Noises
Squeaking is most commonly caused by one of two components – both of which require strip-down to access on most machines.
Belt tension pulleys (jockey pulleys)
Tension pulleys keep the drive belt correctly tensioned as the drum rotates. They are small plastic wheel-like components held against the belt by a strong spring and running on a small metal shaft. Over time the shaft dries out or wears, producing a persistent squeak that runs continuously while the drum is turning. The correct fix is to replace the pulley and shaft assembly. As a temporary measure, stripping and greasing the shaft with a high melting-point grease can resolve a squeak that is caused by dryness rather than wear.
Dry or worn rear drum bearing
The rear of the drum is typically supported by a single brass or plastic bearing at the centre of the rear panel. A dry or worn rear bearing produces a squeak or whine that follows the drum rotation. This is particularly common on some Hotpoint and Indesit tumble dryers. Access to the rear bearing generally requires full strip-down of the machine.
Rumbling Noises
A deep rumbling noise that follows the speed of the drum rotation usually points to the same components as squeaking – belt tension pulleys and drum bearings – but in a more advanced state of wear. Depending on the design and condition of the pulleys, the noise may present as a rumble rather than a squeak. Worn front drum support bearings and the rear drum bearing can also produce rumbling as they degrade further.
If the rumble changes character or stops when the drum pauses to reverse direction, this helps confirm the noise is drum-related rather than from another component. A noise that continues through the reversal pause is more likely to be from a pump or motor.
Noisy Motor
Motor noise is relatively uncommon in tumble dryers – the motor runs at comparatively low speed and tends to last well. If the motor is suspected, it can be isolated for testing by removing the drive belt and any tension pulley brackets and running the motor alone. If the noise disappears when the belt is removed and the motor runs quietly in isolation, the noise was coming from the belt system rather than the motor.
Tumble dryer drive belts are very strongly tensioned. Refitting a belt – particularly a new one – often requires a specialist tool to stretch it onto the motor pulley. Even experienced engineers can find this challenging. If the belt needs to be removed for diagnosis, be prepared for the refitting process to be the most difficult part of the job.
Condenser and Heat Pump Dryer Noises
Condenser dryers have an additional component that vented dryers do not – a small pump that transfers condensed water into the collection drawer. This pump may run continuously during the drying cycle or may cut in and out intermittently.
A failing condenser pump can produce a loud screeching or rattling noise that is distinct from the drum-related sounds described above. The key diagnostic clue is that pump noise continues when the drum pauses to reverse direction – drum-related noise stops or changes at this point. If the pump develops excessive noise it will need replacing. Access varies by model – some allow rear panel access, others require front or side panel removal.
Need an Engineer?
Most tumble dryer noise faults require significant strip-down. A qualified engineer can diagnose and repair the fault correctly.
Quick Reference: Noise Type and Likely Cause
| Noise type | Most likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Metallic scraping, continuous during drum rotation | Drum catching on casing or worn front support bearings | Level the machine first. If persists, front panel strip-down needed |
| Squeaking, follows drum rotation | Dry or worn tension pulleys or rear drum bearing | Grease or replace tension pulleys – strip-down required |
| Rumbling, follows drum speed | Worn tension pulleys or drum bearings, more advanced stage | Strip-down required – do not delay, wear will worsen |
| Screeching or rattling, continues when drum reverses | Condenser pump (condenser/heat pump dryers only) | Pump replacement – access varies by model |
| Noise disappears when drum reverses | Drum-related: bearings, pulleys, or scraping | See metallic scraping and rumbling sections above |
Related Guides
Tumble Dryer Drum Not TurningDrive belt, motor, and capacitor faults that cause the drum to stop rotating entirely.
Tumble Dryer Not HeatingCauses of a tumble dryer that runs but produces insufficient or no heat.
Condenser or Vented Tumble Dryer?The differences between condenser and vented dryers and which suits different home setups.
DIY Appliance Repair SafetyEssential safety guidance before working on any large appliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my tumble dryer making a scraping noise?
A metallic scraping sound almost always means the drum is catching on another component as it rotates. Check the machine is level – an unlevel dryer can twist the casing enough to reduce the clearance between the drum and the rear or front panels. If levelling does not help, worn front drum support bearings are the most likely cause. Do not continue running the dryer with a scraping noise – progressive wear will make the repair more expensive.
What causes a squeaking noise in a tumble dryer?
Squeaking is most commonly caused by the belt tension pulleys drying out or wearing. These small plastic wheels run continuously while the drum turns and are held against the belt by a strong spring. Greasing or replacing the pulleys and their shaft resolves the noise in most cases, but access requires stripping the dryer down. A worn or dry rear drum bearing can produce a similar noise.
My condenser dryer makes a screeching noise – what is it?
On a condenser or heat pump dryer, a screeching noise that continues when the drum pauses to reverse direction is likely to be the condensate pump rather than a drum-related fault. The pump circulates condensed water into the collection drawer and can develop a loud noise when it begins to fail. The pump will need replacing – access depends on the model.
How do I know if the noise is from the drum or the motor?
Listen carefully when the drum pauses to change rotation direction. A noise that stops or changes at this point is drum-related – bearings, pulleys, or scraping. A noise that continues unchanged through the reversal pause is more likely to be from the motor or, on condenser dryers, the condensate pump. A motor can also be tested in isolation by removing the belt and running the machine briefly – though be aware that refitting a tumble dryer belt can be very difficult.
84 Comments
Grouped into 51 comment threads.
0 replies I will say one thing, some new dryers seem to vary in noise from nearly silent to bloody deafening. I'll just write of my recent tales of owning a tumble dryer. We had a Zanussi Condensor dryer, which we brought in 2009 and was still working when we brought another in January. The simple reason is this, that it was costing upwards of £4 a load at current prices. It was just unsustainable. It was also right on the verve of needing a new motor, diagnosed as failing and the part was nearly impossible to source, multiple trusted repairers tried and I did too. Turns out they only used this motor for a very short period before changing to a different part code which wasn't interchangeable. So, we brought a Indesit heat pump. Was on offer and cost just over £300. About as noisy as the Zanussi condensor, no biggie. Unfortunately the panel failed after 2 weeks. The retailer insisted in not repairing and replacing. We upgraded to a LG FDV909, which was whisper quiet. However it lasted 3 months before it failed and refused to work, flashing multiple error codes, the engineer from LG stated it needed a new motor and compressor. Marked it as uneconomical to fix. LG then emailed me a uplift number which the retailer then refunded me. Brought an Fisher and Paykel Series 9, didn't get to install it. Did you know (and the retailer didn't either) that it MUST be plumbed into the cold water supply, or it will just throw an error after a few mins and refuse to work? We didn't either. Here we go again. Now we have a AEG 9000 series absolute care. It's really effective, drying about a third quicker than the LG, but my god is it noisy. Probably louder than my old White Knight vented one that sounded like a train. The compressor gurgles all the time, the motor is LOUD and there is a faint but perceptible rattle, as if part of the fittings is loose. AEG says it's normal however. The 5 year warranty is what swung the purchase, as my mum has dementia and I do her washing, I needed it to work and be reliable, so I'm stuck with it. So FYI to anyone reading this, if you want an really effective dryer, look at the AEG. If you what quiet, look elsewhere.
1 reply Brand new Hotpoint condenser tumble dryer becomes noisy after about 20 minutes, should this be a normal thing or is there something wrong with the pump? This is the second Hotpoint condenser dryer we have had, should we change completely or is a condenser dryer normally like this please.
Brand new Hotpoint condenser tumble dryer becomes noisy after about 20 minutes, should this be a normal thing or is there something wrong with the pump? This is the second Hotpoint condenser dryer we have had, should we change completely or is a condenser dryer normally like this please.
0 replies Thanks for that Tony. I will add that to my article shortly.
Thanks for that Tony. I will add that to my article shortly.
2 replies My indesit dryer was mega squeaky. Googled and checked my rear bearing. Sure enough it was almost sheared through. I replaced it, now on my third washing since changing and now its squeaking again. I have checked to make sure I havnt been given a dud but all is in order. Any ideas on what else it could be? Google isnt being very helpful this time.
My indesit dryer was mega squeaky. Googled and checked my rear bearing. Sure enough it was almost sheared through. I replaced it, now on my third washing since changing and now its squeaking again. I have checked to make sure I havnt been given a dud but all is in order. Any ideas on what else it could be? Google isnt being very helpful this time.
Likely replying to Kelly
Hello Kelly. As my article mentions, squeaking can be caused by a bearing although that is just as likely to sound like metallic scraping noise. The most common cause of squeaking is from the tension pulleys on the drive belt. They are difficult to get to as you have to strip the dryer down and with many modern tumble dryers if you take off the drive belt it can be very difficult indeed to get it back on. Some manufacturers have even manufactured special tools to put the belt back on. So I would be very careful. If you suspect the small pulley wheel that puts tension on the drive belt you could try spraying some WD-40 into it taking care not to get any on the belt or the motor. If that stops the squeaking, if only temporarily it will at least show that this is the source of the squeak. Other than that it’s a question of literally trying to locate the noise with the ears.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Hi Andy, This maybe of some interest to you and other people who get problem’s with noises from their tumble driers. I have just repaired a tumble dryer ( INDESIT IDC75 ) for my mother, which had a loud screeching noise coming from it for several months when being used. I first checked the rear drum bearing as nearly all of the comments on the forums say is the cause of this noise, but that was not the cause of the noise at all , It was in fact the water pump on the lower back right hand side. It had a fair amount of built up dust inside of it, so I cleaned it all out and the ends of where the rubber water pipe attaches to it also, and it has got rid of the noise. I hope this can be of help to more people.
0 replies I think the squealing noise could be the pump that gets rid of the water on a condenser dryer , some pumps only kick in after a while to get rid of the water when it needs to which is why it may be intermittent ,if the noise persists even though the drum stops to reverse etc it could be this pump motor ,
I think the squealing noise could be the pump that gets rid of the water on a condenser dryer , some pumps only kick in after a while to get rid of the water when it needs to which is why it may be intermittent ,if the noise persists even though the drum stops to reverse etc it could be this pump motor ,
0 replies Great news. Replaced the water pump £41 and it’s working a dream. No squeals. Happy Happy.
Great news. Replaced the water pump £41 and it’s working a dream. No squeals. Happy Happy.
2 replies My hot point dryer starts okay, then a few minutes into cycle squeals at varying degrees of irritation. The decision was new tumble dryer. That gave me permission to strip it down to source the noise. It sounds like from the water pump. I have removed that pump and the noise has gone. Sooooo new plan buy a new pump £51 and re fit. Hoping this will fix. Will get back to you and let you know outcome. I have always blamed the belt or the main motor!!!! Question should I go even deeper into the water pump and replace bearings or go for the new part?!?!? Thanks.
My hot point dryer starts okay, then a few minutes into cycle squeals at varying degrees of irritation. The decision was new tumble dryer. That gave me permission to strip it down to source the noise. It sounds like from the water pump. I have removed that pump and the noise has gone. Sooooo new plan buy a new pump £51 and re fit. Hoping this will fix. Will get back to you and let you know outcome. I have always blamed the belt or the main motor!!!!
Question should I go even deeper into the water pump and replace bearings or go for the new part?!?!?
Thanks.
1 reply Hi, I have an Indesit tumble dryer and it squeaks when hot.mi took the back bearing cover off and there was quite a lot of black dust laying in the casing. The tear drop bearing looked OK, still round, could it still be that as a cause... Alan
Hi, I have an Indesit tumble dryer and it squeaks when hot.mi took the back bearing cover off and there was quite a lot of black dust laying in the casing. The tear drop bearing looked OK, still round, could it still be that as a cause… Alan
Likely replying to Alan
Hello Alan. I mention common causes for squeaks in my article above. The teardrop bearing on most tumble dryers is pretty rubbish and often fails. It seems to be made of quite soft metal. However, to be fair when you have a drum shaft running inside a metal bearing you do need the metal bearing to be the softest element so that when the inevitable wear occurs, it occurs on the much cheaper and easier to replace bearing. Having said that, I’m pretty sure they would stand being better quality than they are.
One way to test if it is that bearing is to try squirting some WD-40 into it. But ideally you need to identify where the noise is coming from with the ears if you can run the dryer with the lid and back panel off.
1 reply Yes it would be better if you could leave it in situ and then pull it out to investigate when the noise starts
1 reply That sounds awful Caroline. Something could be catching metal to metal but with noises like that you have to have the machine out and trace where the noise is coming from with eyes and ears.
That sounds awful Caroline. Something could be catching metal to metal but with noises like that you have to have the machine out and trace where the noise is coming from with eyes and ears.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Thanks Andy, we had it out on Sunday but unfortunately the noise didn’t happen. Am thinking it may be something expanding with heat but heat may not have reached the temperature with the back and sides off the machine. Did a test yesterday with it in situ. The noise started after about 10 minutes, I put the cycle on pause for a minute and started it again – no noise. It did appear back and I let it run but the noise stopped before the cycle finished.
I will take it out again at the weekend and leave it run for longer to see if we can trace the source.
Thanks again
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0 replies Hi, hope someone might be able to help. Squeeling noise coming from tumble dryer. Does not happen straight away, seems to start when it gets hot. https://youtu.be/YFFsqdN7jSs We have it just over a year. Had a look and the pulleys and drum wheels seem ok. Would the noise start straight away if it was the bearings?
Hi, hope someone might be able to help.
Squeeling noise coming from tumble dryer. Does not happen straight away, seems to start when it gets hot.
We have it just over a year. Had a look and the pulleys and drum wheels seem ok. Would the noise start straight away if it was the bearings?
1 reply Can someone please explain what this noise is? https://youtu.be/anVL86XOE2E
Can someone please explain what this noise is?
Likely replying to James Bradley
Hello James. That doesn’t sound like a tumble dryer at all. I don’t know of anything in a dryer that runs so fast as to make that kind of noise. I would check the small pump that pumps condensed water into the drawer. The best way to troubleshoot an appliance noise is to take off the lid and if possible the back panel and locate where the noise is coming from.
1 reply Just an FYI for the top comment recommending copper grease, don’t do it...... copper grease is an abrasive compound, use something like red rubber grease instead
Just an FYI for the top comment recommending copper grease, don’t do it…… copper grease is an abrasive compound, use something like red rubber grease instead
0 replies Thanks for the advice from July 17th - we had the pump replaced under warranty and it runs quietly now.
Thanks for the advice from July 17th – we had the pump replaced under warranty and it runs quietly now.
1 reply Hello, I have a basic White Knight tumble dryer which has started making a loud banging noise. I have taken off the back as I thought it would be the bearings that needed changing, but the actual mounting shaft that is riveted to the back of the drum is really loose. Is there any way of tightening this?
Hello, I have a basic White Knight tumble dryer which has started making a loud banging noise. I have taken off the back as I thought it would be the bearings that needed changing, but the actual mounting shaft that is riveted to the back of the drum is really loose. Is there any way of tightening this?
1 reply We have just got an Indesit condenser dryer and the pump is louder than the drum spinning. We had the same model previously and the pump wasn’t audible. What level of noise should the pump expect to be making and do you think we have problem? Any advice would be much appreciated before we call Whirlpool.
We have just got an Indesit condenser dryer and the pump is louder than the drum spinning. We had the same model previously and the pump wasn’t audible. What level of noise should the pump expect to be making and do you think we have problem? Any advice would be much appreciated before we call Whirlpool.
2 replies I fitted a new tear drop bearing on my creda tvr2 and the bearing has worn away in 2 weeks any help to as why please
I fitted a new tear drop bearing on my creda tvr2 and the bearing has worn away in 2 weeks any help to as why please
0 replies The chances are something has been damaged Nikkie. The buckle could have damaged the lip of the drum and or the bearing surface it runs on. It's not possible to guess if it's serious or not though.
The chances are something has been damaged Nikkie. The buckle could have damaged the lip of the drum and or the bearing surface it runs on. It’s not possible to guess if it’s serious or not though.
0 replies Hi all after getting the buckle of my coat caught in the dryer it keeps making a banging noise as if iv got a pair of trainers in there iv took the top of the dryer belt seems fine but iv noticed a little bit of damage on the cushion seal would this be the cause of the banging noise?
Hi all after getting the buckle of my coat caught in the dryer it keeps making a banging noise as if iv got a pair of trainers in there iv took the top of the dryer belt seems fine but iv noticed a little bit of damage on the cushion seal would this be the cause of the banging noise?
0 replies I’ve just repaired my Indesit dryer today, the screeching became unbearable, it began a few weeks ago, started with just a slight screech but by the end of said few weeks it was doing my head in, god knows what the neighbours must have thought I was doing! I purchased a tear drop replacement part from amazon, was only a few pounds, it looks a bit like to the top of a ring pull from a can of pop, only a lot thicker, I followed the instructions as per Simon lanes blog above, there is also a link to follow which he posted and fitting it worked a dream, so easy, now nothing, no screech or scream! by the way I’m a woman, If i can fit one, anyone can! lol, thank you Simon, for your post! Saved me a lot of money!
I’ve just repaired my Indesit dryer today, the screeching became unbearable, it began a few weeks ago, started with just a slight screech but by the end of said few weeks it was doing my head in, god knows what the neighbours must have thought I was doing! I purchased a tear drop replacement part from amazon, was only a few pounds, it looks a bit like to the top of a ring pull from a can of pop, only a lot thicker, I followed the instructions as per Simon lanes blog above, there is also a link to follow which he posted and fitting it worked a dream, so easy, now nothing, no screech or scream! by the way I’m a woman, If i can fit one, anyone can! lol, thank you Simon, for your post! Saved me a lot of money!
0 replies I've inherited a 5 year old AEG lavatherm condenser dryer. The first 2 mins of a cycle are quiet then it starts with a high pitch squeal for about 10 minutes then it goes quiet again for the rest of the cycle. If I lean against the top of the door whilst it's squeaking, it goes away only to return when I let go again. Any ideas? Thanks in advance
I’ve inherited a 5 year old AEG lavatherm condenser dryer. The first 2 mins of a cycle are quiet then it starts with a high pitch squeal for about 10 minutes then it goes quiet again for the rest of the cycle. If I lean against the top of the door whilst it’s squeaking, it goes away only to return when I let go again. Any ideas? Thanks in advance
1 reply I have a Proline condenser dryer and it appears to be making a scraping noise... Any ideas?
1 reply Hi - I have an interesting problem with a Hotpoint TCM570 Aquarius condenser drier - every time it switches to the short "reverse" cycle to untangle the clothes, we get a deep rumbling and vibration once every rotation, until it switches direction and goes back to the normal direction of rotation when it runs smooth as silk - until the next time....! Any ideas? 've had a quick look but it's impossible to feel anything when manually turning the drum and I can't see anything when it's running as the vibration is just momentary and then passed.... The drum bearings etc were replaced when Hotpoint attended to the "fire risk" issue they've been dealing with It never used to vibrate, but I can't be sure it started immediately after the modifications were done either as it doesn't get used a great deal. Any ideas welcome!
Hi – I have an interesting problem with a Hotpoint TCM570 Aquarius condenser drier – every time it switches to the short “reverse” cycle to untangle the clothes, we get a deep rumbling and vibration once every rotation, until it switches direction and goes back to the normal direction of rotation when it runs smooth as silk – until the next time….! Any ideas? ‘ve had a quick look but it’s impossible to feel anything when manually turning the drum and I can’t see anything when it’s running as the vibration is just momentary and then passed….
The drum bearings etc were replaced when Hotpoint attended to the “fire risk” issue they’ve been dealing with It never used to vibrate, but I can’t be sure it started immediately after the modifications were done either as it doesn’t get used a great deal. Any ideas welcome!
Likely replying to Steve
Hello Steve. A bearing could be loose or dry but it’s difficult to access if it’s something potentially serious or not. I would suspect it’s coming against some sort of resistance when the drum turns in that direction. But if you can turn it by hand and it feels the same both ways it’s difficult to guess how and where.
0 replies I wouldn't have thought so Emma. But the best thing to do it give them the benefit of the doubt and see if it settles in after a couple of weeks. Make sure it is level from left to right and front to back as some of them are very flimsy and the cabinet can twist causing the drum to scrape. If it's no better after 2 weeks they should hopefully come and look at it.
I wouldn’t have thought so Emma. But the best thing to do it give them the benefit of the doubt and see if it settles in after a couple of weeks. Make sure it is level from left to right and front to back as some of them are very flimsy and the cabinet can twist causing the drum to scrape. If it’s no better after 2 weeks they should hopefully come and look at it.
0 replies I've bought a refurbished indesit condenser dryer and had it delivered today. It squeaks and when I phoned the shop about it they said it's normal for a refurb and that it will stop after a few loads. Is this right? Thanks
I’ve bought a refurbished indesit condenser dryer and had it delivered today. It squeaks and when I phoned the shop about it they said it’s normal for a refurb and that it will stop after a few loads. Is this right?
Thanks
0 replies Finally got the cover off my Indesit IS31V Tumble Dryer. Here's how to do it for anyone else having the same trouble. At the back of the machine remove all the screws you can see then at each side at bottom take those out, next at the front take those bottom ones out and finally with a pair of pliers pull off the timer knob. You should now be able to ease the control panel up off its clips and so release the casing. Hope this helps someone. Forgot to mention to undo the screw behind the knob.
Finally got the cover off my Indesit IS31V Tumble Dryer.
Here’s how to do it for anyone else having the same trouble. At the back of the machine remove all the screws you can see then at each side at bottom take those out, next at the front take those bottom ones out and finally with a pair of pliers pull off the timer knob. You should now be able to ease the control panel up off its clips and so release the casing.
Hope this helps someone.
Forgot to mention to undo the screw behind the knob.
3 replies If only I could get the casing off my Indesit IS31V tumble dryer, maybe I could see if the belt is broken. Any help would be appreciated.
If only I could get the casing off my Indesit IS31V tumble dryer, maybe I could see if the belt is broken.
Any help would be appreciated.
Likely replying to Ivor
Hello Ivor. You shouldn’t need to take the casing off to check the belt. With the lid off you should be able to see if the belt is attached because it should wrap around the entire drum. If it is broken or fallen off you should normally see the mark where it used to run. If it is there you should be able to try lifting up the belt to see if it is tightly attached to the motor or of it is loose.
Tumble dryers can be quite difficult to strip down these days and often need the back, kick panels and side panels and sometimes in control panels removing to get access to various parts.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Thanks Andy, but I don’t have a top on my dryer, it’s all in one, sides, top etc.
I’ve got the casing loose but the front control panel seems to be holding it on and with no visible screws I think it must be simply a push on fit and clip in and I don’t want to try and wrench it off in case I break a hidden fixing.
Likely replying to Ivor
Ivor, I’m not familiar with that type. There may well be screws behind the front kick panel if fitted. Another way to test if the belt is on or not is to try turning the drum by hand. If the belt is properly on it should have quite a strong smooth resistance. If the belt is broken it should move very freely or maybe freely for a bit then jamming if the belt has come off and tangled up. If the belt feels like it’s still on and the drum is not revolving it could be a capacitor, the motor, the drum jammed, some electrical fault or connection problem or even the pcb. I would definitely get an engineer in if so.
5 replies I had the modification done on my Hotpoint dryer in June. It started with a mild 'squeaking' soon after. This is now very pronounced, but only squeaks when rotating in one direction. Called customer services this morning to report the fault that I think has only developed post modification and was told that it had nothing to do with the modification. Questioned this stance as how could the customer services operator determine the nature of the fault without a report from an engineer. Your thoughts / recommendations please.
I had the modification done on my Hotpoint dryer in June. It started with a mild ‘squeaking’ soon after. This is now very pronounced, but only squeaks when rotating in one direction.
Called customer services this morning to report the fault that I think has only developed post modification and was told that it had nothing to do with the modification. Questioned this stance as how could the customer services operator determine the nature of the fault without a report from an engineer.
Your thoughts / recommendations please.
Likely replying to Neil
Hello Neil. It’s possible that stripping it down and reassembling could introduce something. If the squeak started the next time you used the dryer or was reported within days or a week of the modification they might be more likely to suspect a link. However, it’s just as likely if not more so that it’s not related but as you say no one can be sure without seeing it.
The dryer has stopped making the squeaking noise. This is due to it now not rotating in one direction.
Could be terminal. Repair or Replace ?
Under and to the rear of the machine is a dark powder. I suspect this is from a drive belt.
The link to Junes modification will not be acknowledged by Hotpoint, but there had been no squeak before.
Likely replying to Neil
Hello Neil. Drive belts are black so an issue with the belt should produce black rubber. I can’t see a belt problem causing faults turning one way only though. Dark coloured powder could be from a dry bearing possibly. Unfortunately when they carry out these modifications they are unlikely to bother with anything else so if the bearing was already a bit worn they may just ignore it as they are under a lot of pressure to carry out as many of these modifications as possible. They are even advertising for people to do nothing but these modifications on a 6 to 12 month contract and these people will be trained only to do the modification and are likely to know little or nothing about anything else.
It’s just not possible to say that these faults are caused by the modification (or not) without someone looking at it. However, many faults can start up any time without warning. I always remember early on in my career I called out to service a washing machine that was 5 years old and had never had a fault. All I did was tighten the belt, oil the suspension and clean the filters, it looked fine. But 3 days later the main program timer failed and the woman refused to believe it was nothing to do with me. It made me wary of servicing appliances that were apparently working ok from that day on.
Hi Neil.
re: black dust….I had the same issue, the source of the dust was the bearing at the back. It was either from the bearing/drum shaft/the back panel of the machine (where the shaft was wearing through).
The shaft on my drum was attached with rivets, I drilled them out and fitted a new shaft, and a new bearing. The problem only returned weeks later.
TBH I eventually gave up and got a new machine, the hassle it was causing eventually got the better of me.
1 reply Have a Bosch condenser and noticed today it is making a sound like the beat of a drum. Any ideas?
Have a Bosch condenser and noticed today it is making a sound like the beat of a drum. Any ideas?
Likely replying to Gary Metcalfe
Hello Gary. If the noise is being made once per revolution of the drum I’d suspect damage to the belt. This can be observed with the lid off. Other than that it could be various things and needs observing to try and track down where the noise is coming from (ie. the front the back, from the base?).
0 replies Tumble dryers that make a noise when going one way but not the other? I've just fixed mine. It was the carbon brush juddering against the slip ring, it sounded like an angry goose! ... and it's loud, too! I think it's so loud because the slip ring goes around the outside of the entire drum, so the drum amplifies it. The slip ring is there to provide a contact for the sensors inside the drum, so only sensor dryers would have a slip ring, as far as I know.
Tumble dryers that make a noise when going one way but not the other? I’ve just fixed mine. It was the carbon brush juddering against the slip ring, it sounded like an angry goose! … and it’s loud, too!
I think it’s so loud because the slip ring goes around the outside of the entire drum, so the drum amplifies it.
The slip ring is there to provide a contact for the sensors inside the drum, so only sensor dryers would have a slip ring, as far as I know.
1 reply I deal in scrap metal and almost all tumble dryers i get in have a worn rear bearing, these are very easy to change unless it has cut so far through that it has cut the drum shaft to. If the shaft has cut through look inside the drum and if you can see 3 screws at the back of the drum your in luck the shaft can be changed, if you see 3 rivets , start looking for a new machine or drum. When replacing the rear copper bearing add a little cooper grease , this is a high temperature and water resistant grease that can be found on ebay for a couple of £. Also while you machine is apart its a good idea to check the 4 plastic pads that the front of the drum sits on, if very thin or broken / missing replace them. The main way to prolong the life of your machine is to keep loads light and keep fluff filters clean ( after every use ) and if you have a condenser dryer, clean condenser cassette regularly.
I deal in scrap metal and almost all tumble dryers i get in have a worn rear bearing, these are very easy to change unless it has cut so far through that it has cut the drum shaft to. If the shaft has cut through look inside the drum and if you can see 3 screws at the back of the drum your in luck the shaft can be changed, if you see 3 rivets , start looking for a new machine or drum. When replacing the rear copper bearing add a little cooper grease , this is a high temperature and water resistant grease that can be found on ebay for a couple of £. Also while you machine is apart its a good idea to check the 4 plastic pads that the front of the drum sits on, if very thin or broken / missing replace them.
The main way to prolong the life of your machine is to keep loads light and keep fluff filters clean ( after every use ) and if you have a condenser dryer, clean condenser cassette regularly.
Likely replying to lee
Hello Lee. Many dryers aren’t very well built and are very flimsy. Unfortunately few people look after appliances too, they rarely even properly read the instruction books. The condensor dryers in particular need careful looking after and have more than one filter that needs cleaning after each use.
When it comes to noises, again, too many people ignore them until it’s too late. As you say if the bearing is replaced promptly it’s not a big job but when they wait until long after they get metallic scraping it’s usually caused too much damage.
1 reply My creda tumble dryer only squeals when rotating one way, it's ok when it spins the opposite way round. What do you think the problem is please?
My creda tumble dryer only squeals when rotating one way, it’s ok when it spins the opposite way round. What do you think the problem is please?
0 replies I would suspect a whining noise to be potentially caused by a dry bearing. It might be difficult to locate but drum bearings are at the front and the back. However it's possible it could be something else as described noises are hard to work with.
I would suspect a whining noise to be potentially caused by a dry bearing. It might be difficult to locate but drum bearings are at the front and the back. However it’s possible it could be something else as described noises are hard to work with.
0 replies I have an AEG Lavatherm vented dryer which is used every other day and is approx 8 years old. Recently it has developed a whining noise most of the time but not every time it is in use. With a light load it's fine but a full load of dog towels and it whines for most of the drying time. Any ideas what might be causing this?
I have an AEG Lavatherm vented dryer which is used every other day and is approx 8 years old. Recently it has developed a whining noise most of the time but not every time it is in use. With a light load it’s fine but a full load of dog towels and it whines for most of the drying time. Any ideas what might be causing this?
0 replies Whatever it is you need to get them to fix it whilst it's under guarantee Erica. It's not acceptable for it to be so noisy even if it does stop after a while. Just make sure it is cold when they look at it so they can hear the noise.
Whatever it is you need to get them to fix it whilst it’s under guarantee Erica. It’s not acceptable for it to be so noisy even if it does stop after a while. Just make sure it is cold when they look at it so they can hear the noise.
0 replies Thank you all for the information. I am storing this for a later time. I do, however have a question. My husband and I got a indesit dryer in January. It makes this awful noise for the first few minutes it's on, then it stops. It is like a rumbling noise. Any suggestions? It may be what your suggesting.. But being only two months old I hope it's not anything serious. Thanks, Erica
Thank you all for the information. I am storing this for a later time. I do, however have a question. My husband and I got a indesit dryer in January. It makes this awful noise for the first few minutes it’s on, then it stops. It is like a rumbling noise. Any suggestions? It may be what your suggesting.. But being only two months old I hope it’s not anything serious.
Thanks, Erica
1 reply Make sure it isn't one of these models Dan Hotpoint Creda & Indesit Tumble Dryer Fire Risk
Make sure it isn’t one of these models Dan Hotpoint Creda & Indesit Tumble Dryer Fire Risk
0 replies Update to previous. The noise was caused by the rear seal sticking. The reason for this was massive build up of lint inside the heat pump unit, stopping the water reaching the reservoir. This water was being force back into the machine by the fan making the rear seal damp and causing it to squeak and jam. 3 belts, 2 seals and a jockey wheel later all seems to be ok. Had to strip the whole machine down to access the pump though. Dan
Update to previous.
The noise was caused by the rear seal sticking. The reason for this was massive build up of lint inside the heat pump unit, stopping the water reaching the reservoir. This water was being force back into the machine by the fan making the rear seal damp and causing it to squeak and jam. 3 belts, 2 seals and a jockey wheel later all seems to be ok. Had to strip the whole machine down to access the pump though.
Dan
1 reply Dryers often have just an extremely tight drive belt these days which can be very difficult to fit.
Dryers often have just an extremely tight drive belt these days which can be very difficult to fit.
1 reply Mine ended up being the pulley tensioner wheel. Replaced and no more squeaking.
1 reply As far as I can see that's just how it's designed David. In my opinion many tumble dryers are not well made at all.
As far as I can see that’s just how it’s designed David. In my opinion many tumble dryers are not well made at all.
0 replies Thanks for all the help so far. I have had the same issues as above but have 1 additional one.....the shaft seems to be pushing down on the bearing as the weight of the drum appears to be resting on the teardrop bearing at the back which makes it eventually rotating downwards leaving the shaft resting on the machine casing, that's where me squeaking noise is coming from, am I missing something? Surely the drum weight isn't supposed to be supported by that one screw on the bearing. Maybe if I move the belt slightly towards the front of the drum then that tension will take the weight of the bearing by lifting the shaft up a bit? Any thoughts.Thanks in advance.
Thanks for all the help so far. I have had the same issues as above but have 1 additional one…..the shaft seems to be pushing down on the bearing as the weight of the drum appears to be resting on the teardrop bearing at the back which makes it eventually rotating downwards leaving the shaft resting on the machine casing, that’s where me squeaking noise is coming from, am I missing something? Surely the drum weight isn’t supposed to be supported by that one screw on the bearing.
Maybe if I move the belt slightly towards the front of the drum then that tension will take the weight of the bearing by lifting the shaft up a bit? Any thoughts.Thanks in advance.
1 reply The heat pump is a black compressor similar to those used in fridges at the back of the dryer which is inaccessible to the customer. If the engineer means the heat exchange or similar (the thin metal fins at the back of a compartment door at the front of the dryer) then I'm not aware how that could cause noise. I don't think the Samsung engineers actually work for Samsung, they are typically independent engineers used as third party repairers. As such they can vary quite a lot on how good they are.
The heat pump is a black compressor similar to those used in fridges at the back of the dryer which is inaccessible to the customer. If the engineer means the heat exchange or similar (the thin metal fins at the back of a compartment door at the front of the dryer) then I’m not aware how that could cause noise. I don’t think the Samsung engineers actually work for Samsung, they are typically independent engineers used as third party repairers. As such they can vary quite a lot on how good they are.
Likely replying to Andy Trigg (Whitegoodshelp)
Thank you Andy, Yes you are right it says the heat exchanger. It seemed strange to me too that this can cause excessive noise. The engineer did not find why it was noisy, when he saw that the finns of the heat exchanger are a bit bent he did not do any further testing but he just concluded this as the reason.
0 replies Can the heat pump be the source of increased noise.? Our Samsung 7kg Heat Pump Tumble Drier has become increasingly noisy over the last few months, until the point where we had to stop using it. Although the drier has a 5year warranty the engineer sent by Samsung checked a few other things first, but then he concluded that the Heat Pump is broken and even worse he concluded that it has been broken by us whilst cleaning. My wife told him that she cleaned it with a vacuum cleaner with soft brush, exactly as the manual says. The engineer said , no this should only be cleaned with a sponge. (not in the manual) Because of this engineer's statement we had all requests for repair refused. I am planning to bring the retailer to court, although they told me that I would need another engineers view as proof. I am not even sure if it is the heat pump at all, because I would not trust the first engineer. Has anyone some good advice ?
Can the heat pump be the source of increased noise.? Our Samsung 7kg Heat Pump Tumble Drier has become increasingly noisy over the last few months, until the point where we had to stop using it. Although the drier has a 5year warranty the engineer sent by Samsung checked a few other things first, but then he concluded that the Heat Pump is broken and even worse he concluded that it has been broken by us whilst cleaning. My wife told him that she cleaned it with a vacuum cleaner with soft brush, exactly as the manual says. The engineer said , no this should only be cleaned with a sponge. (not in the manual)
Because of this engineer’s statement we had all requests for repair refused. I am planning to bring the retailer to court, although they told me that I would need another engineers view as proof.
I am not even sure if it is the heat pump at all, because I would not trust the first engineer.
Has anyone some good advice ?
1 reply Replaced the teardrop bearing on my Indesit tumble dryer but still squeaking loudly - any ideas?
0 replies Simon Lane, your picture tutorial on your link was perfect. When I examined my Indesit is60v I found exactly what was shown in your photo's. I then read the comments including Iwan's post and I reversed the teardrop bearing as he suggested and I found it all came together and I had the job done in less than an hour. My tumbler is now running smoothly again. I got the new teardrop bearing on order from here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genuine-Indesit-Teardrop-Bearing-C00142628/dp/B00DJ4K0JK Many thanks.
Simon Lane, your picture tutorial on your link was perfect. When I examined my Indesit is60v I found exactly what was shown in your photo’s. I then read the comments including Iwan’s post and I reversed the teardrop bearing as he suggested and I found it all came together and I had the job done in less than an hour. My tumbler is now running smoothly again.
I got the new teardrop bearing on order from here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genuine-Indesit-Teardrop-Bearing-C00142628/dp/B00DJ4K0JK
Many thanks.
0 replies Thanks for your contributions Simon and Iwan. I've added a note in my article pointing to your comments.
Thanks for your contributions Simon and Iwan. I’ve added a note in my article pointing to your comments.
0 replies Indesit tumble dryer noise problems - check out the link in the posting above. Great advise - save me loads of time, hassle and money. Many thanks!!
Indesit tumble dryer noise problems – check out the link in the posting above. Great advise – save me loads of time, hassle and money. Many thanks!!
0 replies have just repaired my Indesit tumble dryer, Model IS60V. After a while of operating, the squeaking became intolerable. After investigating the noise, it was apparent that the rear bush of the drum had worn to a point, where it was rotating on the rear cover. Simple repair to carry out. 1: Remove the top cover to reveal the drum. 2: Remove rear plastic cover to reveal the spindle at the rear of drum. 3: Remove locking wire by using a point nose pliers, then gently remove spindle castle washer. 4: Using an alan key, undo screw on left hand side of spindle. 5: At the same time as lifting the drum from the top, slide out the bush from spindle. 6: Once removed, assess the damage and you will see an elongated hole where the spindle sits and has worn through. 7: Clean all areas where there is filings. Once cleaned, using high melting point grease (copperslip), grease the internal area of the bush and the spindle. 8: Once cleaned, rotate bush 180 Degrees and refit bush to spindle By lifting drum and sliding bush onto spindle, ensuring that the undamaged area is at the bottom, 6o'clock position. 9: Using a pilot drill bit, drill a small hole where the securing screw would go through the bush, this would be now, on the right hand side. 10: Using a self tapping screw, fix bush securely. The alan key screw can be refitted to original screw hole for safe keepings for future use, if bush needs replacing completely. 11: Once fitted, replace all items removed, in reverse order of removing. I hope this helps, if you need further advise, please contact a competent person to carry out this task, if you are not sure. Happy drying.
have just repaired my Indesit tumble dryer, Model IS60V. After a while of operating, the squeaking became intolerable. After investigating the noise, it was apparent that the rear bush of the drum had worn to a point, where it was rotating on the rear cover. Simple repair to carry out.
1: Remove the top cover to reveal the drum.
2: Remove rear plastic cover to reveal the spindle at the rear of drum.
3: Remove locking wire by using a point nose pliers, then gently remove spindle castle washer.
4: Using an alan key, undo screw on left hand side of spindle.
5: At the same time as lifting the drum from the top, slide out the bush from spindle.
6: Once removed, assess the damage and you will see an elongated hole where the spindle sits and has worn through.
7: Clean all areas where there is filings. Once cleaned, using high melting point grease (copperslip), grease the internal area of the bush and the spindle.
8: Once cleaned, rotate bush 180 Degrees and refit bush to spindle By lifting drum and sliding bush onto spindle, ensuring that the undamaged area is at the bottom, 6o’clock position.
9: Using a pilot drill bit, drill a small hole where the securing screw would go through the bush, this would be now, on the right hand side.
10: Using a self tapping screw, fix bush securely. The alan key screw can be refitted to original screw hole for safe keepings for future use, if bush needs replacing completely.
11: Once fitted, replace all items removed, in reverse order of removing.
I hope this helps, if you need further advise, please contact a competent person to carry out this task, if you are not sure. Happy drying.
0 replies Thanks for this - I had a squeaking Indesit tumble dryer and it was caused by the drum support rod wearing the bearing down at the back. I documented my fix for my particular Indesit model here:- https://randomrepair.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/indesit-idv65uk-tumble-dryer-squeaking.html
Thanks for this – I had a squeaking Indesit tumble dryer and it was caused by the drum support rod wearing the bearing down at the back. I documented my fix for my particular Indesit model here:-
https://randomrepair.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/indesit-idv65uk-tumble-dryer-squeaking.html
0 replies I've just replaced the foam seals, bush, shaft and four plastic pads that pass for bearings on my Hotpoint tumble dryer (about £10 for a kit of parts). I hadn't noticed any problems or unusual noises with it until I put in the last wash, when It started making a slight clunking sound on each rotation, as if someone had left something heavy in a pocket of one of the items being dried. The drum shaft had worn its way through the bottom of the bush, and had a groove sawn almost all the way through it by the back of the case. It was down to about 1mm in diameter, and broke off while I was dismantling the machine. Having fixed it, I think I'll get into the habit of taking of checking the rear bearing and clearing all the dust out of the case every couple of years, if it keeps going that long.
I’ve just replaced the foam seals, bush, shaft and four plastic pads that pass for bearings on my Hotpoint tumble dryer (about £10 for a kit of parts).
I hadn’t noticed any problems or unusual noises with it until I put in the last wash, when It started making a slight clunking sound on each rotation, as if someone had left something heavy in a pocket of one of the items being dried.
The drum shaft had worn its way through the bottom of the bush, and had a groove sawn almost all the way through it by the back of the case. It was down to about 1mm in diameter, and broke off while I was dismantling the machine.
Having fixed it, I think I’ll get into the habit of taking of checking the rear bearing and clearing all the dust out of the case every couple of years, if it keeps going that long.
I will say one thing, some new dryers seem to vary in noise from nearly silent to bloody deafening. I’ll just write of my recent tales of owning a tumble dryer.
We had a Zanussi Condensor dryer, which we brought in 2009 and was still working when we brought another in January. The simple reason is this, that it was costing upwards of £4 a load at current prices. It was just unsustainable. It was also right on the verve of needing a new motor, diagnosed as failing and the part was nearly impossible to source, multiple trusted repairers tried and I did too. Turns out they only used this motor for a very short period before changing to a different part code which wasn’t interchangeable.
So, we brought a Indesit heat pump. Was on offer and cost just over £300. About as noisy as the Zanussi condensor, no biggie. Unfortunately the panel failed after 2 weeks. The retailer insisted in not repairing and replacing.
We upgraded to a LG FDV909, which was whisper quiet. However it lasted 3 months before it failed and refused to work, flashing multiple error codes, the engineer from LG stated it needed a new motor and compressor. Marked it as uneconomical to fix. LG then emailed me a uplift number which the retailer then refunded me.
Brought an Fisher and Paykel Series 9, didn’t get to install it. Did you know (and the retailer didn’t either) that it MUST be plumbed into the cold water supply, or it will just throw an error after a few mins and refuse to work? We didn’t either. Here we go again.
Now we have a AEG 9000 series absolute care. It’s really effective, drying about a third quicker than the LG, but my god is it noisy. Probably louder than my old White Knight vented one that sounded like a train. The compressor gurgles all the time, the motor is LOUD and there is a faint but perceptible rattle, as if part of the fittings is loose. AEG says it’s normal however. The 5 year warranty is what swung the purchase, as my mum has dementia and I do her washing, I needed it to work and be reliable, so I’m stuck with it.
So FYI to anyone reading this, if you want an really effective dryer, look at the AEG. If you what quiet, look elsewhere.