Why is my dryer squeaking?
The squeaking of a dryer is an unpleasant sound to say the least. If you are noticing that your dryer has started to squeak — whether this be all of a sudden or little by little — there are numerous things that may have contributed to this.
Squeaking commonly occurs if the dryer load is too heavy. This may be caused by clothes that have not spun in the washing machine properly. Other more complex issues include a slipped, or worn belt. This will cause uneven turning and a squeaking noise. This article will cover how to fix these along with some potential causes, so you can get your dryer back to its prime.
Reducing clothing load
If your dryer is making a squeaking sound that resembles squealing, then it is likely that the dryer load is too heavy. This occurs when too many wet clothes are put in the dryer, or if the clothes that are put in the dryer are too wet. If the clothing that comes out of the washing machine is very heavy, or even dripping, it likely means that they are not being spun sufficiently.
Check the setting on your washing machine to ensure the clothing is being spun at the highest speed. If placing a lighter load of washing in the dryer does not resolve the issue then it may indicate a functional error with the dryer.
Leveling your dryer
Another common cause of squeaking can come about if your dryer is not sitting level. If your floor is not level, the cause is obvious. Sometimes the legs will be uneven, and will need to be leveled out to stop the squeakiness. The best way to check this is by using a level. If your dryer is not level, it will need to be adjusted:
- Unplug your dryer and tilt it on its side.
- Tighten the screws connecting the legs to the main machine. This will likely solve the issue. If the screws are not tightened, then the dryer will sit unevenly, resulting in an array of noises that occur as the dryer spins.
- If this does not level out your dryer then you can loosen one of the legs to lengthen it, until the dryer sits flush with the floor.
- Do this until your dryer does not not wobble when being manually pushed back and forth.
Checking and fixing the dryer belt
If your Samsung dryer is making squeaking noises that appear to be coming from the top of the dryer, it is a good sign that your dryer belt may need some attention. The dryer belt allows the drum to rotate properly, which spins the machine and allows your clothes to dry.
To check the dryer belt, unplug the dryer and remove the top panel by unscrewing it at the top to expose the belt. The belt should be running along with the barrel, and turn with the drum. Check for any signs of wear and tear. If the belt appears to be broken, or it is not there, it will need to be replaced:
- Remove the back panel which is found by the exhaust vent by unscrewing the cover.
- Inside you’ll find the motor pulley and idler pulley which should both be turning freely. If both of these are working as they should, and there are no signs of catching or sharp edges that may cut the belt, it is time to replace the belt.
- Do this by removing the front panel of the dryer by unscrewing the edges.
- Next, remove the front panel completely, by unscrewing the screws behind the first control panel. This will loosen the front panel, which can be removed by taking off the door switch.
- You should now see the drum completely by having removed the various drum coverings at the front.
- After taking off the old belt (if it is still there), take the new belt, with the ribbed edge facing the drum and pull the belt over so that it is sitting in the same groove as before.
- Now, all the panels can be carefully screwed back together, making sure all the wires that may have been removed are reconnected.
- Replug the dryer into the socket and test the drum by turning the dryer on, it should rotate the inside compartment freely without squeaking.
Checking and fixing drum rollers
Drum rollers are essential components of your Samsung dryer. They work to support the drum which rotates the inside of the dryer. If these are worn down, they do not guide the drum as they should and therefore result in a squeaking noise:
- Start by unplugging the dryer and taking off the top panel, by removing the screws at the back of the dryer which holds the panel in place.
- Next, remove the screws at the top of the metal covering found near the front of the dryer. These attach the metal covering of the front of the drum to the front panel, this will expose the control panel.
- Next, remove the door by unscrewing it from the front panel.
- Now you can remove the front panel completely from the dryer, unplugging any wiring required.
- The drum roller looks like a little wheel and is often made of rubber. Inspect the drum roller for any signs of wear and tear.
- If the drum roller appears to be damaged, it is a simple case of unscrewing the old drum roller and replacing the part with a new roller.
- After this, your dryer can be reassembled, ensuring that any wires are properly reattached and screws are attached tightly.
- Start up your dryer again to see if the new drum roller has solved the issue.
- If squeaking persists, it’s worth checking in with an appliance professional.