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HomeRepair HelpGE Dryer RepairGE Dryer vibrating or shaking Repair
GE Dryer vibrating or shaking
If your GE dryer is vibrating or shaking during a cycle, the most likely culprit is a failing drive motor or worn motor bearings; as bearings wear the motor often makes a grinding noise and the shaft may not turn freely by hand. Next check the drum support bearing, which will cause rough rotation and vibration when it wears. Worn or missing felt seals on the drum rims or bulkhead can let the drum wobble and squeak, and a stuck or worn idler pulley or idler assembly that fails to keep proper belt tension is also a common cause. These faults often show up as the dryer making noise when the drum turns, a dryer making grinding noise, or a dryer squeaking or making loud noises. Inspect the motor shaft, drum bearings, felt seals and idler pulley, and replace the affected parts to stop the vibration. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer.
01 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 GE dryer vibrating and making a grinding noise when the drum turns?
Can a worn idler pulley or drum support bearing cause my dryer to shake?
How do I tell if the drive motor or motor bearings need replacing?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my dryer on RepairClinic.com?
Can worn felt seals cause vibration or damage my clothes?