Where to grease the dryer??

snoozy · #1 02/01/13, 02:35 PM

Our electric dryer has begun to squeak mercilessly as it spins and I will soon be an axe murderer (or a dryer destroyer) if I can't make it STOP!!

Is this an easy fix, like open up the back and grease something or replace the belt or something like that?

frankva · #2 02/01/13, 03:07 PM

If it squeaks in the front there is a good chance you need new teflon guides. They are pretty simple to get at in some, harder and a more involved fix in others.

Will need attention before it wears down metal.

Until then reach into the dryer and wiggle the "basket." If loose...

May help the noise in the very short term.

Waterwheel Farm · #3 02/01/13, 03:07 PM

Done this before, and not too hard, but definitely not easy....assuming it's a standard drier.There's a bushing in the back center of the drum. That's what was bad on mine.You basically have to remove the front of the dryer, pull out the drum, then replace the bushing. Mine was like a nylon sleeve-like bearing. Inexpensive to replace it, but getting to it is a pain and pretty hard to do by yourself getting it back together....although can be doen by yourself. Make sure you pay attention to how the motor belt tensioner is assembled before you remove it. Plenty of info on the internet on how to do it.

o&itw · #4 02/01/13, 03:46 PM

I only am familiar with the dryers I have fixed. They squeaked due to the plastic rollers the tub sat on needing lubrication, or a felt gasket on the back of the tub that was worn out and needed replacing. Once a piece of something slid down inside and was rubbing on the tub as it turned. Mostly though, it is the plastic rollers that support the tub.

simi-steading · #5 02/01/13, 03:50 PM

Mine does this every now and then... For me, it's the belt squeaking that rides on the middle of the drum... I lift the top open, then flip the belt over and rub a bar of soap on it... flip it back, spin the drum around to get to a new spot and repeat a few more times until I dress the whole belt with the soap bar... Will stop it from making noise for a few months...

sewserious · #6 02/01/13, 04:52 PM

Really sounds like the bushing in the back. Easy and cheap fix. One person can do it; two is helpful when putting the drum back in. Google your make and model of dryer and you should come up with instructions on how to do it.

snoozy · #7 02/01/13, 05:09 PM

OK, thanks! I will see what I can find.

Jennifer L. · #8 02/01/13, 05:09 PM

I went through this a few months ago. Ended up getting a dryer kit from Amazon which consisted of the nylon guides, belt, and belt tensioner. It didn't take too long and I did it without any help. Worst part was getting the vent pipe back on!

I was all set to order the parts from an online parts service, but found the Amazon kit instead. Saved me a bundle. Put your dryer make and model in Google and see what comes up. In any case, it's not difficult to fix, just takes an hour or so once you have the parts.

**Shrek** · #9 02/01/13, 06:40 PM

I stopped the squeak on my 18 year old dryer with a case of beer and a smoked pork shoulder. While I chilled the beer and smoked the shoulder a buddy installed a $20 kit (at least thats what he charged me as parts)and cleaned out some zipper pieces and trash before eating and drinking his share of dinner as the labor.

HappySevenFarm · #10 02/02/13, 05:01 PM

I just had mine fixed and it was the bushing in the back center of drum. I replaced one myself years ago but have been working so much didn't have the time. Ended up costing me $80 for a repair man to come do it.

MattyD · #11 02/03/13, 10:11 AM

I did this to my Mother-in-law's dryer too. I replaced the rear bushing, both front guides, belt and tensioner pulley, and heating element for about a total of around $70 including shipping. It took maybe about an hour to replace everything and get it all buttoned back up again. There are some how-to guides online. Just search for your make and model. All you need are some basic tools and you're on your way...

L8R,
Matt