Why is my GE dryer making a loud noise?

Common causes include worn drum rollers, a damaged drive belt, a faulty idler pulley, or a malfunctioning blower wheel.

How can I stop my GE dryer from making a squeaking noise?

Squeaking noises are often caused by worn drum rollers or a damaged drive belt. Inspect and replace these components as needed.

What should I do if my GE dryer is making a thumping noise?

Thumping noises can result from an unbalanced load, worn drum rollers, or a damaged drive belt. Ensure loads are evenly distributed and inspect the drum rollers and belt for wear.

How can I fix a rattling noise in my GE dryer?

Rattling noises are often caused by loose items in the drum or worn drum support rollers. Remove any foreign objects and inspect the rollers for damage.

Is it safe to repair my GE dryer myself?

If you have experience with appliance repair and the necessary tools, you may perform basic maintenance. However, for complex issues or if you're unsure, it's recommended to consult a professional technician.

Ge dryer is making a loud noise

Is your GE dryer making loud noise during its cycle? Whether it's a high-pitched squeal, rattling, or thumping sound, a noisy dryer can be frustrating and concerning. Not only does it disrupt your home’s quiet atmosphere, but it can also indicate underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, could lead to further damage or an expensive repair.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of a noisy GE dryer, how to troubleshoot them, and the best ways to resolve the issue.

Key reasons for the problem:

30% of reported issues are the

Worn Drum Support Rollers or Bearings

20% of reported issues are the

Broken Idler Pulley/Tensioner

15% of reported issues are the

Damaged Drive Belt

35% of reported issues are the

All Other Causes

One Plan. Every Appliance. Zero Stress.

Extended warranties only cover one item. Liberty Home Guard protects all your appliances and systems under one simple plan.
If it breaks, we’ve got you covered—no matter the brand.

Get My Free Quote

Diagnostic and troubleshooting steps

GE Dryer Is Making a Loud Noise? Follow the steps below to troubleshoot common issues like worn drum rollers, a damaged drive belt, or a faulty idler pulley.

Step 1:

Check for Foreign Objects

Open the dryer door and look carefully inside the drum for any foreign objects.
Turn the drum manually to ensure that nothing is stuck between the drum and the dryer wall

Step 2:

Inspect the Drum Rollers

Unplug the dryer and remove the back or front panel to access the drum rollers.
Inspect the rollers for wear or damage. If they appear worn, you may need to replace them.

Step 3:

Examine the Drum Belt

Remove the dryer’s front or back panel to access the belt.
Inspect the belt for any signs of fraying, wear, or stretching.
If the belt looks worn, it’s best to replace it with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement belt.

Step 4:

Inspect the Drum Bearings

Open the dryer’s back panel and locate the drum bearings.
Inspect them for damage or wear. If the bearings are worn down, they may need to be replaced.

Step 5:

Check the Blower Fan

Access the blower fan by removing the front or back panel.
Inspect the fan for damage, and check for any debris that may be obstructing its movement.
If the fan is damaged or broken, replace it with an OEM part.

Key actions for homeowners:

Clean the dryer regularly.
Always check your pockets before loading clothes into the dryer to prevent small objects from falling into the drum.
Keep the dryer level.
Schedule regular maintenance.

Most common repairs needed to fix a ge dryer

When your dryer is making a loud noise, certain repairs are more commonly required than others. Below are the most frequent fixes:

Replace Worn Drum Rollers:
Locate the drum rollers and inspect them for signs of wear or damage, like flat spots or a rough surface. If damaged, replace the drum rollers with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts that match your dryer’s model. This is a relatively simple repair for homeowners comfortable with basic appliance disassembly.
Replace the Dryer Belt:
Unplug the dryer and remove the necessary panels to access the belt. Inspect the belt for any signs of wear, like fraying or breakage. If the belt is damaged, it’s important to install a replacement belt that fits your specific GE dryer model. This is a moderately challenging DIY repair but can be done with basic tools and some patience.
Inspect and Replace the Idler Pulley:
Access the idler pulley—you’ll need to remove the dryer’s front or rear panel to locate the pulley. Inspect the pulley for damage, wear, or if it’s no longer spinning freely. If the idler pulley is faulty, replace it with an OEM part to ensure compatibility with your dryer model.
Check and Replace Drum Bearings:
Locate the bearings which are typically found on the back of the drum—you may need to remove the drum to access the bearings. Check the bearings for any signs of wear, like rough or noisy spinning. If the bearings are worn out, replace them with new OEM parts to restore smooth drum rotation.
Replace the Drum Baffles:
Access the drum baffles by removing the drum or the dryer’s interior panels. Inspect the baffles for any damage. If they are cracked or missing, replace them with OEM parts to restore proper function and eliminate the noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE dryer making a thumping or banging noise?
A thumping or banging noise often occurs when there is an imbalance in the dryer drum. This could be caused by unevenly loaded clothes, a worn drum belt, or damaged drum rollers. Make sure the load is evenly distributed and check the condition of the drum belt and rollers. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the worn parts.
What causes a squealing sound in my GE dryer?
Squealing sounds are usually a sign that the drum rollers, idler pulley, or drum belt are worn out or damaged. These parts are responsible for keeping the drum spinning smoothly. Inspect the rollers and pulley for signs of wear, and if needed, replace them with OEM parts to resolve the issue.
My GE dryer is making a grinding noise; what should I check?
A grinding noise in your dryer could indicate a problem with the motor, blower fan, or the drum bearings. Inspect the motor and blower fan for any visible damage or debris, and check the drum bearings for wear. If the motor or blower is faulty, it may need to be replaced.
How can I fix my GE dryer that is making a rattling noise?
Rattling noises typically occur when internal parts like screws, nuts, or bolts become loose. Check inside the dryer for any loose parts that may be rattling around during the cycle. Tighten or replace any parts that are loose or damaged to eliminate the noise.

Want to view more?

The Most Consumer Centric
Home Warranty Provider.

Homeowners across the country recommend Liberty Home Guard Home Warranty above all others.
Don’t just take our word for it—Liberty Home Guard Reviews speak for themselves!

I've had this home warranty service ...

I've had this home warranty service for over a year. I've exclusively used the "pick a contractor" option and have had good result...

Omar K.

I was expecting so so service and re...

I was expecting so so service and repair, but that was not the case. The over the range microwave door stopped closing. I put in a...

Alice N.

JP was extremely professional, frien...

JP was extremely professional, friendly, and efficient throughout the entire process. He communicated clearly, handled everything ...

Donald P.

E Perach is the most understanding h...

E Perach is the most understanding helpful home warranty professional I’ve ever dealt with after have 3 other companies. Her cus...

Michael F.

The support-person was very knowledg...

The support-person was very knowledgeable and gave me the information I needed to make my decision. Suppoet-person was Tony Torres...

John M.

Great job. Would highly recommend th...

Great job. Would highly recommend the technician!! And fast: our dryer needed repair on a Friday and by the following Tuesday we h...

Larry F.

Representative was very knowledgable...

Representative was very knowledgable and friendly. This is the second call about an issue and Tony was extremely patient and helpf...

JoAnn W.

Maia Palmer was the most helpful rep...

Maia Palmer was the most helpful representative I have spoken with at Liberty Home Guard. They took care of my claim with compassi...

May D.

I'm so glad I switched to Liberty. T...

I'm so glad I switched to Liberty. They were quick to respond to my request and covered the work that needed to be done.

Debra D.

I have Liberty Home Guard for an yea...

I have Liberty Home Guard for an year. I worked with Ronald Moran. He is an awesome service representative. From the point I open ...

Vidyasagar U.