Dryer belt and roller wear builds gradually, because these parts carry the drum on every cycle. Whirlpool says simply that over time, the belt can become worn down and might eventually need replacing, and neither part has a published lifespan in years. How heavy the loads are and how many cycles the dryer runs decide how soon the wear shows.
Typical lifespan
The rollers, idler pulley and belt take the full weight of the drum and every load. They're designed to last a long time, but they're also among the first mechanical parts to wear on a dryer that InterNACHI's chart puts at 13 years overall (see how long dryers last). There's no reliable figure for the parts on their own, so judge them by sound and behavior rather than age.
What wears out first
| Part | Typical sign of wear |
|---|---|
| Drum rollers | A rhythmic thump or rumble each time the drum turns |
| Idler pulley | A squeal from the front or bottom that rises and falls with the drum |
| Drum belt | Squealing, slipping, then a motor that runs while the drum doesn't turn |
| Drum glides or front bearing | Scraping or grinding at the front of the drum, black streaks on clothes or lint |
| Rear drum bearing or shaft (some models) | Squeaking or grinding from the back of the dryer |
What shortens its life
- •Overloaded drums, which put extra weight on the rollers and extra strain on the belt.
- •Heavy, wet items such as rugs and large comforters.
- •Shoes and other hard items that pound the drum.
- •Long, hot cycles from a restricted vent, which heat the belt and roller hubs.
- •Lint and hair wrapped around roller shafts and the idler pulley.
What helps it last
- •Load to the manual's capacity, and dry heavy items in smaller batches.
- •Keep the vent clear so cycles stay short.
- •Clean the lint filter every load, which also reduces lint inside the cabinet.
- •Have lint cleaned out of the cabinet during service visits.
- •Listen for new noises and have them checked early, before a worn roller damages the belt or drum.
Signs of age vs. signs of a fixable fault
Not every thump is wear. Whirlpool explains that when a dryer hasn't been used for a while, the rollers can flatten where they sit against the drum. The dryer thumps at start-up, and as it warms up the rollers reform and the noise goes away. A thump that fades within a few minutes after the dryer has been idle is normal.
A thump or rumble that lasts the whole cycle, every cycle, points to a worn roller. A squeal that started recently usually comes from the idler pulley or a glazed belt, and Whirlpool notes that an idler pulley that doesn't rotate smoothly needs to be replaced. A dryer that runs but doesn't tumble at all usually has a broken belt. Each of these is one part, not a sign the whole dryer is worn out. Grinding from the front, especially with black marks on clothes, points to worn glides or a front bearing. Our dryer service can identify which part is making the noise.
Sources
- •Whirlpool: 6 Reasons a Dryer Is Making Loud Noises
- •Whirlpool Product Help: Flattened Roller Causes Thumping Noise
Takeaway: A thump that fades after an idle spell is normal, but one that lasts every cycle means a roller or belt is wearing.
To find out which part is thumping, squealing or no longer turning the drum, call True Fix Chicago at (312) 896-8111.