Dryer Rollers
Many dryer manufacturers use rollers to support the dryer drum. These rollers usually support the front and rear of the drum. The function of the rollers are to allow the drum to rotate with the weight of the wet clothes inside. Over time dryer rollers wear out due to friction. When dryer rollers wear out the result is a thumping noise and sometimes vibration as the drum rotates. Some dryers use a soft compound that makes a thumping sound at start up but goes away in a few drum revolutions. This allows for a quieter operation after the roller wheel outer compound warms up.
Some manufacturers use bearings or glides to support the front and rear of the drum.
If your dryer is rumbling, squeaking, or squealing then your rollers may be worn out.
Why does my dryer have a thumping noise when it first starts up?
The compound that dryer rollers are made of is hard but soft enough to reduce the noise made because the drum is in constant contact with the drum. When a dryer sits idle the rollers develop temporary flat spots. These flat spots go away quickly after startup, but until they do they create a thumping sound that echoes through the dryer drum. This is normal as long as the thumping sound goes away fairly quickly. |
