My Dryer Is Vibrating Really Loud

Multiple issues can cause a dryer to vibrate and make a lot of noise, from an overloaded dryer to a defective component. Regardless of the specific problem, vibration is definitely a problem that you'll want to address since the movement can cause damage to surrounding walls and floors, as well as the dryer itself.

Avoid overloading your dryer with clothes. Not only will cramming your dryer with laundry increase drying times because air won't circulate properly, but a heavy drum places undue stress on the dryer's balancing mechanism and support components, causing the drum to rotate haphazardly and vibrate. Stop the dryer as soon as you hear it vibrating loudly and remove some of the items inside. Review the operating instructions in your dryer's manual for loading guidelines. In general, you should only fill the drum so that it's about three-quarters of the way full.

If your dryer isn't level, it will vibrate when it tumbles. Most newer dryers come with leveling feet that you can adjust to steady the dryer. The leveling feet have bolts that you can tighten or loosen to compensate for unevenness in the flooring surface. Try to rock the dryer from side-to-side. If it moves, it's not level. You can also assess if a dryer is plumb by putting a level on top of it. Adjust the leveling feet to a height that makes your dryer stable. Each leveling foot should bear 25 percent of a dryer's weight, according to Bosch. If your dryer doesn't have leveling feet, you can use wood shims to make it level.

Most dryers have four sets of rollers or wheels — two sets in the front and two in the back — that enable the drum to turn with ease. When the rollers deteriorate, your dryer may vibrate as it spins. Follow the instructions in your dryer's manual to access the drum where the rollers are attached. You will probably have to lift up the control panel to find the screws that hold the dryer's cover in place. After you've unscrewed the cover and lifted it off, rotate the drum to inspect each set of rollers. If even one set looks worn, replace them all.

The blower wheel is basically a fan that pushes hot air into the drum. It can become clogged with lint over time, which can make it shudder and vibrate. Remove the dryer's top cover to locate the blower wheel. It's typically near the top or side of the dryer near the heater and drum opening. Wipe the wheel clean with a soft cloth. Once the wheel is freed up, your dryer shouldn't vibrate.