A Speed Queen dryer making loud thumping noise can quickly disrupt your household routine. While dryers naturally produce some sound during operation, persistent thumping or banging indicates that something isn’t working as it should. Addressing the problem early is important for keeping your dryer efficient, safe, and long-lasting.
Why is My Speed Queen Dryer Making Loud Thumping Noise?
When your Speed Queen dryer makes a thumping noise, it’s usually caused by worn or faulty components that interfere with the drum’s smooth rotation. Below are some of the most common culprits behind this issue.
Uneven Loads Inside the Drum
Not every dryer making loud thumping noise is caused by part failure. Sometimes the issue comes from how laundry is loaded. Large, bulky items like comforters or blankets can ball up on one side of the drum, throwing the load off balance. This uneven weight distribution creates a repetitive thumping sound as the drum spins.
Mixing heavy fabrics such as towels or jeans with lighter items can also cause imbalance, while overloading or even very small loads may make the drum tumble unevenly. Stop the cycle and redistribute the laundry if you suspect this is the issue. When thumping continues after adjusting the load, a professional should inspect your Speed Queen dryer for worn parts.
Objects Stuck in the Drum Baffles
Sometimes, the cause of a dryer making loud thumping noises is much simpler: foreign objects. Small items such as coins, buttons, or keys can get trapped in the drum baffles. These objects repeatedly strike the drum walls as they spin, producing a sharp thumping or banging sound. You can safely inspect the drum and remove any visible debris, but if noises persist after clearing the drum, it’s best to call a technician to check for hidden obstructions or related damage.
Worn Drum Rollers
Drum rollers support the dryer’s drum, allowing it to spin evenly. Over time, these rollers can wear down, flatten, or develop cracks. When this happens, the drum may wobble during operation, creating a heavy thumping sound with each rotation. If rollers are damaged, replacement by a technician is essential to restore balance and prevent further wear on other parts.
Damaged Drum Glides or Slides
Drum glides, also called drum slides, are small strips that support the front edge of the dryer drum. They reduce friction as the drum rotates. Once they wear down or break, the drum can make loud noises as it rubs against the metal frame. Ignoring this problem can cause permanent damage to the drum itself, so timely replacement by a professional is highly recommended.
Worn-Out Drive Belt
The Speed Queen drive belt connects the dryer’s motor to the drum, enabling the drum to spin. With age and use, belts can become stretched, cracked, or frayed. This wear causes thumping sounds and can eventually stop the drum from spinning altogether. Since the drive belt is under tension, a professional should handle the replacement to ensure safe and proper installation.
Defective Drum Bearings
Drum bearings support the back end of the dryer drum, allowing it to turn smoothly. When these bearings begin to wear out, the result is often a rhythmic thumping or scraping noise that worsens with continued use. Operating a dryer with failing bearings can strain the motor and other components, so professional service is necessary to prevent costly damage.
A Speed Queen dryer making a loud thumping noise is more than just an annoyance; it’s a sign that critical components may be failing. From worn rollers and belts to defective bearings, these issues require prompt attention to prevent further damage and maintain your dryer’s efficiency. Ignoring the
If you’re dealing with a noisy dryer, our Burnaby appliance repair technicians are ready to help restore quiet, reliable performance. Professional diagnosis ensures the problem is fixed correctly, so you can get back to laundry without the disruptive sounds.
