Dryers are supposed to make some noise, but when that sound turns into a loud, repetitive thumping, something’s clearly wrong. We’ve seen it countless times—someone calls us saying everything was working fine, then suddenly it sounded like a pair of sneakers was tumbling inside, even when the drum was empty. That thump is your dryer trying to tell you something, and ignoring it could lead to bigger problems.
This post walks through the most common reasons your dryer thumps loudly and how to troubleshoot them safely. We’ll also share a few practical steps to catch the issue early and reduce wear on your appliance. Let’s dig in.
The Dryer Drum Rollers Are Worn Out
One of the most common causes of that heavy thumping noise is worn-out drum support rollers. These rollers help keep the drum balanced as it spins, but over time, they lose their smooth surface or become flat in spots. That is to say, instead of rolling quietly, the drum starts bouncing or wobbling as it rotates.
If the noise happens every few seconds in a repeating rhythm, the rollers are a likely culprit. However, it’s worth noting that not all dryers have the same number of rollers—some have two in the rear, others have additional ones in the front. We usually recommend checking all of them if the back panel is coming off anyway.
We handle these kinds of problems all the time during dryer repair in Burbank. In addition, we’ve seen cases where the roller shafts themselves are worn, not just the rollers. If that’s the case, both parts should be replaced together.
Something Is Stuck in the Drum Seals or Felt Lining
Your dryer drum rides along a felt seal or rubber gasket to help contain the heat and reduce friction. However, these seals also act like a trap for lint, coins, buttons, and other debris. If something hard gets lodged in the felt lining, it can create a bump that knocks against the drum with every spin. Consequently, the thumping noise can mimic the sound of something inside even when the drum is empty.
To clarify, this type of noise might be more noticeable when the dryer first starts, and it can come and go if the object shifts or falls out. We usually inspect the inner lining when a customer reports a mysterious sound that doesn’t match anything loose inside the drum.
You can often run your fingers along the inside edge of the drum to check for obstructions. Just make sure the dryer is unplugged and cooled down first. For trickier cases, we open up the machine and inspect the lining with a flashlight.
The Drive Belt Has a Flat Spot or Is Misaligned
The drive belt connects the motor to the drum, allowing it to turn during a cycle. Over time, belts can stretch, fray, or even develop flat spots if the dryer sits unused for a while. Similarly, if the belt gets slightly off its path, it may cause an uneven spin that results in a loud thumping or banging noise.
This issue tends to show up when the drum struggles to maintain a consistent rhythm. You might also notice a burning rubber smell in some cases, especially if the belt is rubbing against another part.
Replacing a belt is not especially complicated, but it does involve taking apart a few panels. We recommend getting help if you’re unfamiliar with the dryer layout. If you’re not sure where to start, Quick & Pro Appliance Repair offers full appliance repair in Burbank including belt and motor inspections.
Uneven or Off-Balance Loads
Before jumping to repairs, always double-check your load. A single heavy item like a large towel, rug, or blanket can throw the drum off balance, especially if it bunches to one side. As a result, the spinning motion becomes irregular, and the dryer thumps with each rotation.
To prevent this, try mixing smaller and larger items together and avoid overloading the drum. If possible, shake out heavy items before placing them in the dryer to reduce clumping. We’ve seen cases where an unbalanced load caused so much noise that a customer thought the machine was breaking down.
In other words, don’t underestimate how much influence the load itself has on noise. Running a quick cycle with nothing inside can help determine whether the issue is with the load or the machine.
The Drum Glides or Bearings Are Failing
In some dryer models, especially older ones, the drum glides on plastic or Teflon supports located near the front of the drum opening. These glides wear down over time, and when they do, the metal drum can start rubbing directly on the metal housing. Consequently, this creates both a thumping and scraping sound that grows worse with every load.
We often find this issue in machines that are more than ten years old. That is to say, if your dryer has been reliable for a long time but suddenly develops loud noise, worn glides or bearings could be behind it.
While these parts aren’t always expensive, installing them does take a bit of work. If you hear both thumping and a high-pitched squeal, we recommend inspecting the glides first. Some models also have rear drum bearings that should be checked at the same time.
Foreign Objects Stuck in the Blower Wheel
The blower wheel moves hot air through the dryer and out the exhaust. Sometimes small items like socks, pins, or lint can get pulled into the blower housing and cause thumping or rattling sounds. Meanwhile, the dryer may continue running normally, which can make the cause harder to pinpoint.
To access the blower, the front panel often has to be removed. We don’t suggest poking around inside unless the machine is fully unplugged and the drum is stopped. If your dryer’s airflow seems weak or if you’ve noticed heat issues along with thumping, the blower housing is worth checking.
We’ve removed hairpins, pencil erasers, and even a child’s marble from blower wheels before. In short, small items can make a lot of noise in a fast-moving appliance.
Loose or Worn Baffles Inside the Drum
Dryers have baffles (or paddles) inside the drum that help lift and tumble clothes during a cycle. These baffles are attached with screws or clips, and if they loosen over time, they can start to wobble. That wobble often produces a sharp, rhythmic thumping sound.
To inspect them, look inside the drum and gently try to wiggle each baffle. If one moves or makes a noise, it may need to be tightened or replaced. Some baffles are accessible only from the outside of the drum, so be careful not to force them.
This is an easy check you can do before calling for help. However, if you suspect internal damage or stripped screws, we suggest reaching out for service.
The Dryer Feet Are Not Level
Sometimes the issue isn’t with the drum at all. Uneven floor placement or misaligned leveling feet can cause the entire dryer to vibrate or thump as it runs. For example, if one leg is slightly shorter than the others, the dryer can rock subtly back and forth.
That movement gets amplified as the drum spins, especially during heavier loads. To clarify, this usually sounds different from internal thumping—it’s more like the whole dryer is hopping slightly.
We suggest pressing down on each corner of the dryer to see if it wobbles. Adjusting the leveling feet only takes a few minutes with a wrench or pliers. In addition, placing a level across the top of the dryer helps confirm even footing.
Dryer Thumping Still Won’t Go Away?
If you’ve ruled out all the above and the thumping still happens, there’s likely a deeper issue inside the motor assembly or suspension. We sometimes find broken motor mounts, loose internal bolts, or even structural wear in machines that are heavily used.
At this point, the best move is to schedule a full inspection. You can reach out directly through appliance repair in Burbank to get help from technicians who handle this kind of issue daily.
We’ll walk you through your options and let you know whether a repair makes sense or if a replacement might be more cost-effective. The goal is to solve the issue quickly, without turning it into a larger expense.
FAQs
Why does my dryer make a loud noise only with heavy loads?
Heavy loads can shift unevenly inside the drum, throwing off the balance. When everything clumps to one side, the rotating drum starts to bang or thump with each cycle.
Can a thumping dryer cause long-term damage?
Yes. Continued use with worn or broken parts can lead to more wear on the drum, motor, and bearings. It’s better to address the noise before it becomes a major issue.
Is it safe to open the dryer to check for problems?
Only if the dryer is unplugged and fully powered down. Some inspections, like checking baffles or the felt seal, are safe. For internal repairs, it’s best to get professional help.
What’s the most common reason for a thumping sound?
Worn drum rollers are one of the top causes. They flatten over time and cause uneven rotation, which creates a steady thumping noise during use.
How do I book a repair service?
You can Contact us directly to schedule a repair visit. Our team can handle everything from diagnostics to part replacements and full servicing.