Whirlpool dryer making loud rumbling noise [Fixed!]

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Normally, your dryer makes low humming noises when running.

Now, when it starts making some weird noises – such as squealing, buzzing, rumbling and scraping – it could be a sign that something is not working as it should.

In this article, I shall take you through how to fix your Whirlpool dryer if it is making loud rumbling noises.

Note that the below steps and parts also apply to Maytag, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Amana, and Jenn-Air dryers.

Let us get started.

Table of Contents

Whirlpool dryer making loud rumbling noise – how to fix the annoying noise

Start with these basic fixes:

Confirm that your dryer is level

Move the dryer a bit to see if this fixes it-

Clean the dyer blower wheel fan

Next, check and make sure that the blower fan is not clogged.

You see, a clogged blower fan can make your dryer’s blower wheel go off balance – and when it is running at high speed, this might cause your dryer to make horrible rumbling noise.

So be sure to clean the blower wheel’s fan- You just need to remove any lint clumps you see.

Now, if these two steps do not fix your dryer, try out the fixes below.

Whirlpool dryer making loud rumbling noise – most likely fix

A super loud rumbling noise tends to point to worn-out drum rollers.

Keep in mind that drum rollers are responsible for supporting the drum as it rotates.

So if your Whirlpool dryer is rumbling occasionally(or constantly), it might be that the drum support rollers are faulty.

That being so, you will definitely need to replace them.

Before ordering a replacement, it is important to check if the part is actually damaged.

You will need the following tools to do that:

Now, to access and check the condition of the part, follow these steps:

Disconnect your dryer from the power outlet. If it is a gas dryer, disconnect it from the gas supply also.
Pull out the lint screen and remove the 2 Phillips screw in the lint housing.
Use your putty knife to depress the clips holding the top panel in place. When doing this, make sure you are close to the wall so that you lean the panel to the wall.
Using the putty knife, disconnect the switch harness. It is located at the top right-hand of your Whirlpool dryer.
Remove the two 5/16 screws on the top of the front panel. You can now remove the top panel.
Using one hand to push up the drum, reach on the right-hand side below the drum and roll the belt off the idler pulley.
Using the belt for support, lift the drum out of the dryer and set it aside. You now have access to the rollers and axles.
Remove the support bracket holding the lower axle.
Using your putty knife, pry off the triangular clips from the shaft of your roller axles.
Slide the drum rollers off and inspect for any signs of damage- When the rollers go bad, they usually get a flat spot(on them) and start sounding like that.
If any of them is damaged, then, you will need to replace all the rollers. This is because if one roller is worn out, odds are that the rest are highly likely to wear out pretty soon.

We recommend the exact-fit Whirlpool drum roller repair kit, if you want to try swapping out the parts.

Quick Tips:

Both rollers have to be changed out(at the same time).

The roller doesn’t need lubrication- the bearing is usually self-lubricating.

You may need to replace the roller axles too

While at it, also inspect the roller axles for any signs of damage or wearing out.

Why?

Because if your dryer is horribly noisy, it can also be due to roller axles being worn – and the issue won’t go away if you just install new rollers.

Now, if they are worn out or appear to be bent, you can replace with the Upgraded Drum Roller Support axle( get two of them).

Quick Tip:

If the axles look good upon inspection, simply clean them for reuse.

Replace the idler pulley

In some cases, the rollers and roller axles will be fine.

If this is the case with your dryer, inspect the state of the idler pulley(with your dryer still open and the drum removed).

You see, the belt may eat through the idler pulley thereby wearing it out.

Now, if the idler pulley is worn out, you will need to replace both the idler pulley and the belt.

Here we recommend the complete Whirlpool dryer repair kit as it comes with a Drum Belt, Idler Pulley, and Rollers (2 pcs)

As regards installation, you shouldn’t have much trouble installing it as it comes with easy-to-follow installation instructions (You can supplement these instructions with YouTube videos).

Whirlpool dryer making loud rumbling noise -What else could cause the problem?

If the noise remains, it could be a lot of other things…. Think of a bad tensioner or perhaps the drum has itself come off track a little..

In fact, you can never rule out a bad bearing(remember the drum of spins on the bearing and the cup -for the bearing- is often plastic, meaning it wears easily).

For that reason, try to investigate everything when you take it apart (it is quite easy).

The good thing is most of these parts are easy-peasy to change out.

Quick Tip: If you suspect your main bearing, try to grease it first- lithium grease (from your local automotive store) should work here.

Whirlpool dryer making loud rumbling noise – final words

As we conclude, I’d like to remind you not to overload your dryer. Here’s why:

Overloading your dryer exerts extra weight on the dryer’s drum rollers and axles.

This extra weight will increase the rate at which these parts wear out.

Also, do not put dripping clothes in the dryer since the additional weight has a similar effect.

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Dryer making loud rumbling noise [Fixed]