Dryer · Symptom guide

Tumble dryer making a loud noise

The dryer runs but makes scraping, grinding, thumping or squealing noises.

Severity: Medium · Typical repair cost: £10–£200 depending on whether simple supports or major components are worn.

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Smart overview

This summary gives a quick feel for how serious this issue usually is and what to check before calling for help.

Appliance type Dryer
Risk level Medium
Typical repair cost £10–£200 depending on whether simple supports or major components are worn.

Checks you can try yourself

  1. Empty the drum and run the dryer briefly to see if the noise is still present without clothes.
  2. Check for coins, buttons or zips caught in the drum perforations or baffles.
  3. Ensure the dryer is level and not vibrating against nearby cabinets or objects.
  4. Listen carefully to locate whether the noise comes from the front, rear or base of the machine.

Always unplug the appliance and switch off the power at the mains before accessing internal parts, and do not work on gas appliances yourself.

Advanced checks

  • Squealing can indicate worn support wheels, idler pulleys or drum bearings.
  • Thumping may be due to a worn belt or flat spots on drum rollers.
  • Scraping at the front can come from a worn felt seal or front glide supports.

How to prevent this problem

  • Do not overload the dryer, which can stress the drum support rollers and belt.
  • Clean lint from the filter and around the drum opening regularly.
  • Stop using the appliance if you hear scraping or grinding until it has been inspected.

When to call a professional

If the noise is very loud, metallic or burning in nature, stop using the dryer immediately. An appliance engineer can open the cabinet safely to inspect belts, pulleys, rollers and motor bearings.

Helpful tools & parts

The link below searches for tools and replacement parts commonly used when fixing this type of problem. Always confirm compatibility with your exact model before ordering.

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FAQs

What is the most common cause of "Tumble dryer making a loud noise"?

In most cases it comes down to a blockage, a worn component, or a sensor/setting issue. Start with the quick checks, then move to the step-by-step fixes in this guide.

Is it safe to keep using the dryer with this symptom?

You can usually do basic checks safely, but stop if you notice leaks, burning smells, tripped electrics, or unusual grinding/banging noises.

What is the first thing I should check?

Check for the simplest causes first: filters, hoses/vents, door seals, obvious blockages, and any recent changes (new detergent, overloaded drum, wrong programme).

When should I call a professional?

If the noise is very loud, metallic or burning in nature, stop using the dryer immediately. An appliance engineer can open the cabinet safely to inspect belts, pulleys, rollers and motor bearings.

About this guide

This guide was created by the CodeSolveAI Appliance Help Team. We use manufacturer information, typical engineer reports and safe DIY practice to keep these pages up to date and practical.

Last reviewed: March 2026.