GE dryers are wonderful appliances, and they’re considered among the most reliable on the market. They are expertly designed, engineered to last for years, and look great in your home. But what do you do when your GE dryer is making grinding noises? There are a few different reasons why your GE dryers might be making a grinding or scraping sound, and it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint just what the issue is. Even so, with a little know-how and a little effort, a handy homeowner may be able to diagnose this dryer issue with a little time and effort.
Read on to learn more about why your GE dryer is grinding, and what solutions there may be. Or call us at ️(800)657-0765
Whenever you work on any appliance, in any capacity, it’s important to follow a few safety precautions along the way.
Drum glides in gas or electric dryers support the dryer’s front rim on both the left and right sides. The glides can be made of many materials, including nylon, plastic, felt, or Teflon. They often have a felt or cork backing, depending on the maker and model of the dryer. The drum glides make it possible for the drum to rotate smoothly on an even surface. Over time and continued use, these felt glides can wear out. The dryer making loud noise you’re hearing may be coming from worn out glides that are no longer supporting the drum. This can cause metal-to-metal grinding. You’ll have to open up the dryer’s cabinet to inspect the glides. If they are broken or worn out, they are probably the cause of your GE dryer’s grinding sound. Replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
All dryers, whether gas or electric, use a belt to rotate the dryer drum. Over time, this belt can wear out with age, becoming broken, cracked, or brittle. If a piece of the belt has separated from the whole, it can hit against parts of the dryer (including the cabinet) to create a thumping or grinding sound when in operation. Open up your dryer’s cabinet to inspect the drive belt inside. If you notice that it is worn out, broken, cracked, or brittle, it should be replaced with an identical belt according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Many GE dryers use drum support rollers to support the dryer drum. The rollers can be found inside of the cabinet, usually in the rear, but sometimes in the front of the cabinet. Check your owner’s manual for more information on their location. If the rollers are worn out or damaged, the drum will not rotate cleanly and could create a squealing, thumping, or grinding sound. Open the cabinet of your GE dryer to inspect your drum support rollers and the shafts on which they sit. Check them for signs of wear, breakage, or damage. If they are damaged at all, they must be replaced as an entire set.
An idler pulley in your GE dryer provides tension on the drum belt so that it doesn’t slip on drive motor pulley or the dryer load when it’s in operation. The idler pulley is under constant stress when the dryer is used, moving at high speeds. Over time, the idler pulley can fail or become slow to turn, which can result in increased friction. If your GE dryer is grinding or squealing, it could be the fault of a bad idler pulley. Open up your dryer cabinet and locate the idler pulley. Remove the drive belt, and see if the pulley moves freely on the shaft without sticking.
Dryers are sealed by felt or a felt-like material, which prevent hot air from escaping the dryer where it should not. Over time, these felt drum seals can become worn out, resulting in a grinding or scraping noise. Much like the drum glides, if the smooth surface of the felt is worn out, your GE dryer may be making a grinding noise because of improper metal-to-metal contact. Check the felt drum seal on your dryer. If the seal is worn out, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
It is not common for a dryer motor to wear out or break, but it is possible. All gas and electric dryers rely on motors to turn the blower and drying drum. If you have a grinding noise coming from your GE dryer, it may be caused by a bad motor. A defective motor can create all sorts of sounds, ranging from rattling to squealing to grinding. If your GE dryer is grinding, you will have to open the cabinet of your dryer to locate the motor inside. If it appears to be broken, defective, or worn out, it may need to be replaced. Unfortunately, replacing a motor can sometimes cost more than replacing the dryer, so take cost-effectiveness into consideration when performing this step.
We hope that this guide has offered all of the help and information you need to diagnose and fix your appliance problem. If not, don’t be discouraged. Home appliances are sophisticated machines, and it can be tough to understand and solve many of the problems that can occur over time. If you still need help, consider contacting a local appliance repair technician for more assistance. A professional technician skilled in GE dryer repair will be able to diagnose and fix your problem in no time flat.
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