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HomeRepair HelpDryer RepairDryer vibrating or shaking Repair
Dryer vibrating or shaking
If your dryer is vibrating or shaking, and you hear grinding or squeaking when the drum turns, the most likely culprits are failing motor components. A worn drive motor or motor with bad bearings is the top cause and will often produce a grinding noise or make the drum hard to turn by hand. Next check the drum support bearing, which will cause rough rotation and vibration when it wears out. Worn or missing felt seals on the drum or bulkheads can let the drum wobble and rub, and a stuck or worn idler pulley or idler assembly will let the drive belt run unevenly and make the dryer noisy or loud. Inspect the motor shaft, support bearing, felt seals and the idler pulley for wear or resistance; if any of those parts are noisy, damaged, or do not spin freely they should be replaced. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to pull up the exact replacement parts and diagrams for your dryer so you can fix the problem quickly and with the right parts.
01 - Dryer Motor
A dryer motor that is wearing out will be unable to rotate the drum efficiently, resulting in the dryer vibrating or shaking during operation. As the motor bearings began to wear out, the motor will often make a grinding noise. If the motor is noisy or the motor shaft does not turn freely by hand, the component should be replaced.
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02 - Dryer Drive Motor
A drive motor that is wearing out will be unable to rotate the dryer drum efficiently, resulting in the dryer vibrating or shaking during operation. As the motor bearings began to wear out, the drive motor will often make a grinding noise. If the motor is noisy or the motor shaft does not turn freely by hand, the component should be replaced.
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03 - Dryer Felt Seal
Felt seals can be found on the front or rear bulkhead of the dryer or on the front and back rims of the drum itself. A worn or missing felt seal can interfere with the dryer drum rotating smoothly, resulting in the appliance vibrating or shaking during operation. Inspect the felt seal or seals for wear or damage and replace as necessary.
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04 - Dryer Drum Support Bearing
A worn drum support bearing will interfere with the smooth rotation of the dryer drum which can cause the appliance to vibrate or shake during operation. A support bearing the shows excessive wear or damage will need to be replaced to fix the problem.
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05 - Dryer Idler Assembly
A worn or stuck idler assembly may be unable to smoothly allow the drive belt to rotate the drum efficiently, resulting in the appliance vibrating or shaking. Inspect the idler assembly for any wear or damage and confirm the pulley rotates freely. If the assembly shows signs of damage or the pulley doesn't turn easily the idler assembly should be replaced.
Highly Likely
06 - Dryer Idler Pulley
A worn or stuck idler pulley may be unable to smoothly allow the drive belt to rotate the drum efficiently, resulting in the appliance vibrating or shaking. Inspect the pulley for any wear or damage and confirm it rotates freely. If the pulley shows signs of damage or doesn't turn easily it should be replaced.
Highly Likely
07 - Dryer Belt
A worn or damaged drum belt may be unable to rotate the dryer drum efficiently, resulting in the appliance vibrating or shaking. Inspect the belt for any breaks, fraying, or sections that are worn down or too smooth and replace if required.
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer making a grinding noise when the drum turns?
Why is my dryer squeaking or making noise when the drum turns?
My dryer vibrates or shakes during operation. Can I fix this myself?
How do I find the right replacement part for my dryer on RepairClinic.com?
Can a worn idler pulley or idler assembly cause my dryer to shake?