Why Dryer Gets Louder As It Heats Up (Original Reasons)

Dryer problems can manifest in various ways, and unusual noises are a common indicator of trouble.

While some dryer sounds are easily identifiable, others are more nuanced. One such issue is a dryer that becomes significantly louder as it heats up.

This article delves into the potential causes of this specific problem, offering a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

A dryer that gets louder as it heats up often points to issues with the blower wheel, lint buildup in the blower housing, or problems with the drum rollers and bearings. The increased noise arises because the heat causes the internal components to expand, exacerbating any existing wear or obstructions. This guide will explore each of these possibilities in detail, providing step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and repair.

Why Does My Dryer Get Louder As It Heats Up?

Several factors can contribute to a dryer becoming noisier as it warms up.

Let’s explore each of them:

1) Defective Blower Wheel

The blower wheel is a crucial component responsible for circulating heated air within the dryer.

This round, typically plastic, wheel spins rapidly, drawing air in and forcing it through the appliance to facilitate the drying process. It’s typically located at the rear of the dryer near the air intake.

How It Causes Noise?

Some blower wheels are prone to manufacturing or design flaws that only become apparent when the dryer heats up. As the dryer operates, the heated air causes the plastic blower wheel to expand, which is a normal characteristic of plastic materials.

However, a defective blower wheel may expand excessively, causing it to rub against the surrounding housing. This grinding creates the increased noise you hear.

This issue usually arises from incorrect design or manufacturing errors.

Solution: The only effective solution is to replace the defective blower wheel. Crucially, ensure that the replacement part is free from the same defect. Consult with the manufacturer, parts supplier, or a qualified technician to guarantee the replacement won’t exhibit the same expansion issues when heated.

2) Lint Buildup in Blower Housing

Lint, composed of fabric fibers shed from clothing during the drying cycle, is an unavoidable byproduct of the drying process.

While dryers are equipped with lint traps to capture most of this debris, some lint can still escape and accumulate in other areas of the dryer.

How It Causes Noise?

Lint can find its way into various parts of the dryer, including the blower housing. Over time, this accumulation can become significant if not regularly cleaned. As the dryer heats up, the blower wheel expands.

If there’s lint buildup in the housing, the expanding wheel will rub against it, generating noise.

Solution: Regularly cleaning the blower housing is essential. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much lint as possible, and a brush can help dislodge stubborn debris.

3) Failed Drum Rollers

The dryer drum, the central component of the appliance, is supported by rollers that allow it to rotate smoothly, even at high speeds. These rollers minimize friction and noise during operation.

Properly functioning rollers also reduce the strain on the dryer motor.

How It Causes Noise? Drum rollers, like any mechanical part, are subject to wear and tear. Over time, they can become worn, leading to noise as they struggle to rotate with the drum.

This noise may be subtle initially but becomes more pronounced as the dryer heats up.

Solution: Worn-out drum rollers should be replaced promptly. Delaying this repair can put additional stress on other dryer components. It’s often advisable to replace all the rollers simultaneously as a preventative measure since if one is worn out, the others are likely to follow suit.

4) Worn-Out Drum Bearing

The drum bearing, located at the rear of the drum, plays a vital role in keeping the drum in place and facilitating smooth rotation.

How It Causes Noise: Similar to the rollers, the drum bearing can also wear out over time, becoming a source of noise.

This noise often intensifies when the dryer heats up because the bearing expands, creating friction against surrounding surfaces and parts.

Solution: Replacing the worn-out drum bearing with a new one is the solution. While the replacement process itself is relatively straightforward, accessing the bearing can be more involved.

It typically requires removing dryer panels and the drum itself. Once the bearing is accessible, remove the screws holding it in place, install the new bearing, and reassemble the dryer.

Avoid lubricating the drum bearing unless explicitly recommended by the manufacturer, as this can attract lint and dust, potentially leading to further problems.

---

(FAQs)

Q: Why Is My Dryer So Loud All of a Sudden?

A sudden increase in dryer noise warrants immediate attention. Stop the dryer cycle and inspect the interior for any foreign objects that may have become lodged inside.

These could include items like hairpins, pens, screws, or other small objects.

Q: What Are Normal Dryer Sounds?

A properly functioning dryer should operate quietly. You might hear a faint squeak at the start of a new cycle and the gentle tumbling of clothes within the drum.

Any other sounds should be considered abnormal.

Q: Is It Safe To Use a Noisy Tumble Dryer?

Operating a noisy dryer is not recommended.

The noise indicates an underlying issue that should be addressed promptly. Continuing to use a noisy dryer can lead to further damage and accelerated wear.