The last thing you want from your Samsung dryer is some weird noise. That, however, could happen, especially when the idler pulley is involved, and that’s why you should be familiar with the Samsung dryer idler pulley noise and its fix.
In the beginning, your Samsung dryer makes a squeaking (squealing) or rumbling noise if the idler pulley is faulty. Over time, however, the noise progresses to a loud scraping or thumping noise.
Note that a failed idler pulley is not the only thing that could cause these noises. There could be other issues you may need to consider and rule out.
And when it comes to the idler pulley, you’ll have to inspect it, possibly for wear, looseness, or damage, and once you establish that, you’ll need to replace it.
I’ll explain how you can check it and replace it too. But first, let me explain what the idler pulley does on a Samsung dryer and how it fails.
Here we go!
What Does a Dryer Idler Pulley Do On Samsung Dryer?
An idler pulley is a tensioning device that improves the dryer belt’s grip, firmness, and traction to turn the drum. So, if the drum won’t spin or has an issue doing it smoothly, the problem could be the idler pulley, also known as the dryer pulley.
The dryer pulley automatically adds tension to the belt unless it’s faulty. Speaking of fault; an idler pulley may fail due to any of these reasons:
- Wear – Following friction from usage; the idler pulley may wear out and, when it does, cannot turn the drum. Remember, the idler pulley turns the belt and drum at high speed, which could wear it down over time.
- Damage – The high-speed rotation and friction associated with the idler pulley’s running may directly damage it. If so, the idler pulley may have an issue doing the job.
- Looseness – The idler pulley could also fail in its job if it’s loose. In such a case, the belt will slip off, thus making it unable to turn the drum as it should.
In the end, a failed idler pulley may be accompanied by weird noises. Let’s talk about them.
Samsung Dryer Idler Pulley Noise Explained
Below are four different noise types associated with a failed Samsung dryer idler pulley:
1. Squeaking or Squealing Noise
It’s common for the idler pulley to make a squeak, squeal, or screeching sound when it starts to fail. The dryer may run at this stage, but the noise could become deafening loud over time, and unbearable.
But other than a worn-out or broken idler pulley, other issues that could cause the squeaking sound include the following:
- Drum overload – If the drum’s load capacity surpasses the ¾ mark, the drum won’t spin properly and may result in a squeaky sound.
- Soaking wet laundry – If the clothes are too wet, the excess water may make the load heavier, causing a squeaky sound.
- Unlevelled dryer – Check the dryer’s leveling, as it may squeak if it’s out of balance.
- Damaged belt – Sometimes, the noise originates from the belt, not the idler pulley. So check it for breakages or wear.
- Worn-out drum rollers – The drum rollers support the drum but can produce a squeaky sound when worn out.
2. Rumbling Noise
A Samsung dryer may also make a rumbling sound during the early stages of a failing idler pulley. So, if you hear a Samsung dryer idler pulley noise sounding like a roar or vibration, check the idler pulley for faults and replace it.
However, if the issue has nothing to do with the idler pulley, your Samsung dryer is making a rumbling noise due to any of these issues:
- Uneven surface – Check the laundry load for an imbalance and redistribute it evenly if that’s the case.
- Faulty blower – Check the blower for obstruction or damage, which could result in a rumbling noise.
- Worn-out drum rollers – Inspect the supportive drum rollers for wearing out and replace them if that’s the case.
- Worn-out roller axles – Check the drum glides for wearing and replace them as they could be rubbing against the drum’s metal parts.
3. Scraping Noise
Your Samsung dryer will start making a scraping noise when the idler pulley wears out further or becomes more defective. So, you can expect the noise to only start as a squeal or squeak.
Over time, however, the noise will sound like two metal objects rubbing against each other.
Other than a defective idler pulley, here are some other things that could cause a scraping sound:
- Trapped foreign objects (in the drum)
- Worn-out drum glides
- Dirty lint trap
- Worn-out bearings
4. Thumping Noise
Lastly, your Samsung dryer idler pulley noise may sound like a thump to indicate a defective idler pulley. Nonetheless, just like in the case of a scraping sound, the thumping noise will start as a squeak or squeal.
But still, the issue could be different from a defective idler pulley. Here are other things to check out:
- Clumping wet items
- Dryer overload or oversized items
- Broken drive belt
- Worn-out drum rollers
- Faulty roller axles
- Trapped large objects like oversized buttons or broken zippers
How Do I Fix the Idler Pulley On My Samsung Dryer?
If the idler pulley on your Samsung dryer is broken, worn out, or just loose, you should replace it. But first, you must inspect it to determine if it’s defective, and more importantly, you should get the right replacement part first.
That brings us to the part number. Check your Samsung Dryer Idler Pulley Part Number to find the correct replacement part.
Let’s now highlight what you need.
Supplies
- Philips screwdriver
- Work gloves
- Putty Knife
- Replacement idler pulley (view on Amazon)
- Camera (a smartphone can do this)
Samsung Dryer Idler Pulley Replacement
Now that you have the idler pulley replacement supplies, here’s how to replace it:
Step 1 – Disconnect the Samsung dryer from the power
Start by unplugging your Samsung dryer from the power. If it’s gas-powered, shut off its gas supply. When done, put on the work gloves to protect your hands.
Step 2 – Unscrew the top panel
Unscrew the lint screw using the Philips screw and pull out the lint screen. Use the putty knife to lift the top panel.
Step 3 – Detach the front panel
Use the screwdriver to unscrew the front panel and put it aside. While at it, remove the wire harness on the front part.
Step 4 – Remove the dryer pulley
Now that you can access the idler pulley, take a photo of it while it’s in position. Then gently push the pulley out of the drive belt and take it out. Inspect it for wear, looseness, or damage to determine if you should replace it.
Step 5 – Install the replacement idler pulley
Fit it in the new idler pulley like the old one. You can use the photo you took earlier to ensure you fix it perfectly in position.
Step 6 – Reattach the front panel
Go ahead and screw back the front panel as it was. You can also return the wire harness to the door switch and ensure everything is in place.
Step 7 – Affix the top panel and lint screen
Now lower the dryer’s top panel and screw it back into position, and then re-install the dryer’s lint screen into place.
Step 5 – Restore the dryer’s power
Lastly, plug the dryer back into the power source and power it on. Remember to turn on its gas supply if it’s gas-powered.
People Also Ask
1. How Do I Know If My Dryer Idler Pulley Is Bad?
You can tell a bad idler pulley by the behavior of the dryer. For example, the drum won’t spin if the idler pulley is defective. Such an option will fail to add the necessary tension to the drive belt to allow it to turn the drum.
Another way to tell a bad dryer idler is to listen to the noise that comes from the dryer. Usually, a faulty idler pulley makes a squealing or squeaking sound at the beginning and a scraping, thumping, or rattling sound when it worsens. In all these cases, you should replace the idler pulley.
2. Why Is My Dryer Idler Pulley Making Noise?
Your dryer idler pulley is making noise because it’s faulty. If so, the belt won’t turn the drum, and the dryer will fail to do its job.
However, consider checking out the dryer belt first before ruling out the idler pulley to be defective. It could be that the noise is coming from the drive belt.
If the idler pulley is loose, worn out, or damaged, consider replacing it.
3. Why Does My Samsung Dryer Make Noise When the Drum Turns?
There are different reasons why a Samsung dryer would make noise when the drum turns. It could be that the drum is overloaded; in that case, the dryer will make a thumping sound.
It could also be that some items, such as loose zippers, buttons, coins, pens, or jewelry, are trapped in the drum. And if that’s not it, one of the drum’s supportive complaints could be worn out or damaged. That includes the drum bearings, support rollers, drum glides, or idler pulley.
4. Should I Lubricate the Idler Pulley?
The idler pulley is a moving part, so you should lubricate it. But first, ensure you clean it properly before applying the lubricant, and don’t over-apply it, as that’ll only make the idler pulley filthy.
5. Why Is My Samsung Dryer Making a Loud Squeaky Noise?
Your Samsung Dryer is making a loud squeaky sound because of one of these reasons:
- Drum overload
- Extra wet clothes
- Broken belt
- Failed idler pulley
- Worn-out drum roller
- Worn-out drum bearings
- Ungreased or damaged door hinge
- Unlevelled surface
- Worn out door felt
- Faulty drive motor
Closing Thought On the Samsung Dryer Idler Pulley Noise:
As shared, your Samsung dryer idler pulley will make some noise when it’s loose, damaged, or worn out. That means you have to check it out first.
Once you establish that the idler pulley is defective, you should replace it, and the above is a guide to use. In the long run, you won’t have to pay a dryer expert for the idler pulley inspection and replacement.