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HomeRepair HelpDryer RepairDryer damaging clothes Repair
Dryer damaging clothes
If your dryer is ripping clothes or seems to be eating garments, the drum is probably sagging or has a damaged edge that’s catching fabric. Start by checking the drum support bearing at the rear; a loose or broken bearing lets the drum tilt and pinch items between the drum lip and the front bulkhead. Next inspect the front drum slides or glides; worn glides let the drum drop and open a wider gap at the bottom so clothes can get trapped. Look over the drum assembly itself for dents, cracks, or sharp edges that will snag fabric. Also check the lint filter cover for cracks or broken tabs that can tear clothes. Worn drum roller axles and rollers are common secondary causes because they allow the drum to wobble and sit low, and they often produce a loud rumbling or grinding noise when the drum turns. You can remove the belt and spin the drum by hand to isolate support parts. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer.
01 - Dryer Drum Slide Glide or Pad
The drum glides (also called slides) might be worn out. The drum glides are small plastic pieces that support the front of the dryer drum. As the drum rotates, it slides on these plastic pieces. Over time, the drum glides wear out. If the drum glides are worn out, the dryer will usually make noise and the drum will drop down and have a wider gap at the bottom allowing clothes to get caught in the gap. To determine if the drum glides are worn out, inspect them for wear. If one or more glides are worn out, replace all of the glides as a set.
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02 - Dryer Drum Support Bearing
The drum support bearing is a component used on some dryer models to support the rear of the drum and allow the drum to rotate freely. If the bearing is loose or broken, the drum can become misaligned and damage clothing items that become trapped between the edge of the drum and the front bulkhead. You will need to disassemble the dryer and uninstall the drum to inspect the drum support bearing and to determine if it should be replaced.
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03 - Dryer Drum Assembly
As the drum assembly rotates, the clothing could be catching on a damaged section of the drum resulting in tears or holes in the clothing. Inspect the inside of the drum with a flashlight and run a cloth across the surface to see if it catches on anything. If the drum assembly is damaged or has cracks, it should be replaced.
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04 - Dryer Filter Cover
The filter cover holds the lint filter in place. If the filter cover is broken or damaged, clothes can get caught and tear on the cover. Inspect the filter. If the filter cover is cracked or damaged it will need to be replaced.
Common
05 - Dryer Drum Roller Axle
One or more of the drum roller axles might be worn out. Most dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers, supporting the front of the drum. Over time, the drum rollers and axles wear out, causing a loud rumbling noise and the drum to drop down and have a wider gap at the bottom allowing clothes to get caught in the gap. To determine if the drum roller axles are worn out, remove the belt from the dryer and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, check the support rollers for wear. If the rollers spin freely without wobbling, the axles do not n...
Common
06 - Dryer Drum Roller
One or more of the drum rollers might be worn out. Many dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers supporting the front of the drum. When the drum rollers are worn out, they can cause the dryer to make a loud rumbling noise and if worn badly the drum will drop down and have a wider gap at the bottom allowing clothes to get caught in the gap. To determine if the rollers are worn out, inspect the rollers. If one or more of the rollers are severely worn, we recommend replacing all of the rollers at the same time as a preventative measure (The roller shaft can often be r...
Common
07 - Dryer Felt Seal
Felt seals are used to keep the hot air from escaping from around the drum. Depending on the model you may only see one around the front or one around the front and one at the rear of the drum. If the felt seal gets torn or is missing, clothes can get caught inbetween the drum and the outer housing often called a "shroud". Open the door and inspect the felt seals for damage and replace them if necessary.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer ripping or damaging clothes?
My dryer is making a loud grinding or rumbling noise when the drum turns — what parts should I check?
Why does the drum drop and leave a gap at the bottom where clothes get caught?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
When should I replace the whole drum assembly instead of just glides or rollers?