Samsung dryer making a loud noise: what each sound means

Samsung dryers are generally quiet machines, so a new noise is worth paying attention to. The type of sound is the best clue to which part is worn. Always unplug the dryer (and turn off the gas supply on gas models) before opening it.

Match the sound to the cause

Squeal or squeak	Worn idler pulley or dry drum roller bearings. Often louder at the start of a cycle.
Rhythmic thumping	Flat spots on drum rollers, or a worn or frayed drive belt. Can also be a bulky item such as a shoe.
Scraping	Worn drum glides or felt seals at the front or rear of the drum, letting metal rub on metal.
Grinding or roaring	Failing rollers, idler pulley or motor bearings.
Rattling or ticking	Coins, buttons or debris in the drum or caught in the blower wheel.
Loud hum, drum not turning	Broken belt, or a motor that cannot start.

Checks you can do

1. Empty the drum and run it. If the noise disappears, it came from the load: zippers, shoes or items in pockets.
2. Check that the dryer is level and all feet touch the floor. A rocking dryer can thump and vibrate.
3. Turn the drum by hand with the dryer unplugged. A rough, gritty feel or a catch at one point suggests rollers or glides.
4. Look at the lint filter housing. Small items can slip past the filter and hit the blower wheel.

Parts that usually fix it

Drum rollers, the idler pulley and the belt wear together, and many technicians replace them as a set because they are inexpensive compared with the labor of opening the dryer twice. Glides and drum seals are similar. Access varies by model; check the manual or service information for yours before starting.

When to call a technician

If the dryer also stops heating, trips the breaker or smells of burning, stop using it. On gas models, any work near the gas valve is best left to a professional. For hands-on help, look for Samsung dryer repair from a technician who works on the brand regularly. If your dryer is not heating rather than noisy, our guide to a dryer that is not heating covers the common causes, most of which apply across brands.