LG Dryers Making Loud Noise: How to Fix It Yourself
Loud thumping, squealing, or rumbling in an LG dryer usually points to worn drum rollers, a bad idler pulley, or worn drum glides. The type of noise tells you which part: thumping means rollers, squealing means pulley or belt, scraping means drum glides.
⚠️ Safety First
- Unplug the dryer and turn off gas (if applicable) before starting.
- Wear gloves — sheet metal edges inside the cabinet are sharp.
- Support the drum when removing panels to avoid dropping it.
Parts You May Need
Step-by-Step Repair
- 1
Identify the noise type
Run the dryer empty for 2 minutes and listen. Rhythmic thumping that speeds up = drum rollers. High-pitched squealing = idler pulley or belt. Scraping or grinding = drum glides or a foreign object in the drum seam.
- 2
Unplug and open the cabinet
Disconnect power. Remove the lint screen and the screws beneath it. Remove the screws at the top back of the dryer. Slide the top panel forward and lift it off, then remove the front panel screws and carefully lower the front panel.
- 3
Inspect drum rollers
With the drum exposed, spin each roller by hand. They should turn freely and smoothly. If any roller is flat-spotted, wobbles, or resists turning, replace all rollers as a set — they wear at similar rates.
- 4
Check the idler pulley
Locate the spring-loaded idler pulley that tensions the belt near the motor. Spin it by hand. If it squeals, wobbles, or does not spin freely, replace it. This is a common source of squealing noise.
- 5
Inspect drum glides and felt seal
Look at the front edges where the drum rides on plastic glides or a felt seal. If the glides are worn flat or the felt is torn, the drum scrapes against the housing. Replace worn glides or felt seals.
- 6
Reassemble and test
Route the belt back around the drum, idler pulley, and motor shaft. Reattach the front and top panels. Plug in and run a timed cycle. The noise should be gone.
If That Didn't Work
- Foreign object (coin, button) trapped between drum and housing
- Loose blower wheel
- Worn drum bearing at rear
When to Call a Professional
If the rear drum bearing is worn (loud rumbling from the back), replacing it requires significant disassembly. A technician charges $200–$350 for this repair.
Related Repairs
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.
If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.
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