GE Dryer Making Grinding Noise? Try these FIXES!

Is your GE dryer making a loud grinding or scraping noise?

A grinding sound is much more worrying than a small squeak, and I understand wanting to find the cause quickly.

In many cases, it's something as simple as a coin or a hairpin that got stuck. Other times it's a worn part that needs replacing before it does more damage.

What Causes a Grinding or Scraping Noise in a GE Dryer?

A GE dryer making a grinding noise often has a coin or small object caught near the drum or blower. Also check the drum glides, rear bearing, blower wheel, and motor.

Stop using the dryer until you find the cause. That harsh sound usually means metal is rubbing on metal, and that can damage the drum or the motor quickly.

Unplug the dryer before you open it, and on a gas model turn off the gas supply too.

Look for Objects in the Drum and Lint Trap

Coins, keys, buttons, and underwire from bras are the most common cause of a sudden loud noise. They gets caught between the drum and the front panel or slip down into the lint screen housing.

Turn the empty drum slowly by hand and feel for a catch. Check the gap around the drum edge with a flashlight.

Then pull out the lint screen and look down into the housing. A magnet on a stick can help you pull out small metal items.

Check the Blower Wheel

The blower wheel is a fan that pushes air through the dryer and out the vent. If a small object gets past the lint screen, it can end up inside the blower housing and rattle or rumble as the fan spins.

The blower wheel can also come loose on its shaft or crack, which cause a rough grinding or scraping sound.

To check it, you need to open the dryer and reach the blower housing, which is usually near the bottom. Remove anything caught inside and make sure the wheel is tight and not cracked.

Replace Worn Drum Glides

When the front drum glides wear through completely, the drum rides on the metal front panel. At first this squeaks, but once the glides are gone it turns into a harsh scraping or grinding sound.

Remove the front panel and look at the glides and the drum edge. If the drum edge is shiny where it has been rubbing, the glides are worn out.

Replace the full set. If you only hear squeaking so far, our guide on a GE dryer that is squeaking covers the early signs.

Inspect the Rear Drum Bearing

The rear drum bearing holds up the back of the drum. When it's badly worn, the drum can sag and scrape against the back of the cabinet with every turn.

With the drum removed, check the bearing and the shaft. Any grooves, looseness, or dry metal surfaces mean it needs replacing. A rear bearing kit for your GE model will usually includes everything you need.

Have the Motor Checked

If you have ruled out everything above, a grinding noise when running may be coming from the drive motor bearings. A worn motor often get louder over a few weeks and may hum or smell hot before it fails.

With the belt removed, spin the motor pulley by hand. It should turn smoothly.

If it feels rough or rumbles, the motor is worn. Motor replacement is a bigger job, so I'd suggest a technician for this one.

If you notice a burning smell along with the noise, stop the dryer and read our guide on a GE dryer that smells like burning.

Conclusion

Don't ignore a GE dryer making loud noise when spinning. Start with the easy checks and work your way to the bigger parts:

• Look for objects in the drum and lint trap
• Check the blower wheel
• Replace worn drum glides
• Inspect the rear drum bearing
• Have the motor checked