GE Dryer Squeaking or Squealing? Here's How to Stop the Noise

Is your GE dryer squeaking every time it runs?

That high-pitched noise can be loud enough to hear across the house, and it only gets worse with time. The good news is that I have found it's almost always caused by a worn part that you can replace yourself for a small cost.

Why Is My GE Dryer Squeaking or Squealing?

A GE dryer squeaking or squealing when it runs usually has worn drum glides, a worn rear drum bearing, or a bad idler pulley. A worn belt or rollers can also cause it.

This kind of noise is not dangerous on its own, but it's a warning that a part is wearing out.

If you leave it too long, the part can fail and stop the drum from turning. Always unplug your dryer before opening it, and turn off the gas supply on a gas model.

Check When the Noise Happens

Before you open anything, run the dryer empty and then with a full load. The timing of the noise give you a good clue.

• Squeaking with a heavy load often points to the drum glides or rear bearing.
• Squealing when the dryer first starts often points to the idler pulley or belt.
• A steady chirp with every turn of the drum often points to the rollers on models that have them.

Replace the Drum Glides

Most GE dryers support the front of the drum on small plastic or felt glides attached to the front panel.

As they wear thin, the drum starts rubbing on metal and squeak with every turn, and the noise gets louder when the drum is heavy with wet clothes.

To reach them, you'll need to remove the front panel. Once it's off, look at the glides. If they are worn down, cracked, or missing, replace all of them together.

Many glide kits also include a new felt seal for the drum edge, which is worth fitting at the same time.

Check the Rear Drum Bearing

The back of the drum on many GE dryers turns on a bearing or slide at the rear wall of the cabinet. When its grease dries out or the bearing wears, you'll often hear a screeching or chirping sound while the drum is spinning.

To check it, remove the drum and look at the bearing at the back. A worn bearing may look dry, grooved, or loose. Rear bearing kits are available for many GE models and usually come with the grease you need.

Inspect the Idler Pulley

The idler pulley is a small wheel that keeps the belt tight. When its bearing wears, it makes a loud squeal, often most noticeable in the first minute after you press Start.

Here's how to check it:

1. Unplug the dryer and open the panels to reach the motor area.
2. Take the belt off the idler pulley.
3. Spin the pulley by hand.
4. If it feels rough, wobbles, or makes noise, replace it.

Since the belt is already off, check it for cracks or shiny, glazed spots. A worn belt can slip on the pulleys and whine too.

If your belt has already broke and the drum won't turn, see our guide on a GE dryer that is not spinning.

Check the Drum Rollers

Some newer GE dryers use rollers instead of glides to hold the drum. Rollers wears out on their axles and start making a rhythmic squeaky noise as the drum turns.

Spin each roller by hand. They should turn freely and quietly. If one is worn, replace all of them at the same time, because the others will not be far behind.

If the noise is more of a scraping or rumbling sound, that often has a different cause. Read our guide about a GE dryer making a grinding noise to find it.

Conclusion

A noisy GE dryer just needs the worn part found and replaced. Go through these checks:

• Check when the noise happens
• Replace the drum glides
• Check the rear drum bearing
• Inspect the idler pulley
• Check the drum rollers

If you're not comfortable taking the drum out, a technician can replace these parts quickly.