frigidaireguy
Well-known member
I work with a friend that has a G E dryer that is approx. 17 yrs old. It has developed a "squeaking" sound. I think it maybe the bearings going out. Would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks !!!!
Bob
Bob
G E DRYER
- Thread starter frigidaireguy
- Start date
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I had a Whirlpool Compact dryer that would squeak when it was on. I replaced the belt and the squeak went away. I’d try that first would be less expensive than replacing the bearings or the motor.
Eddie
Eddie
frigidaireguy
Well-known member
I forgot to mention that the Squeak will go away after the machine runs for approx. 30 minutes.
Bob
Bob
repairguy
Well-known member
It’s probably the front plastic bearing housing squeaking because the drum is eating through it.
^ Which requires an immediate fix to avoid further damage.
frigidaireguy
Well-known member
What would cause it to stop the noise after approx. 30 minutes ??? Just wondering
Bob
Bob
Unhealthy sounds are difficult to diagnose from afar without hearing the noise and zeroing-in to the location on the machine. The model number also isn't cited. Typical GE dryer design of that time likely involves moving parts of the motor/pulley, idler/tension pulley, belt, rear drum bearing, and the drum, the front rim of which rides on four "bearing" slides affixed to the support rim of the front panel.
One never knows what's causing a noise without hands-on examination. One of RJ's rental tenants reported a screeching noise last year on the provided Whirlpool top-filter dryer. I had repaired it several months prior for a bad drum support roller. I found on disassembly that a plastic clip of some ilk had attached to the front panel rim that supports the drum and the rim of the drum was riding on the clip instead of the felt pad. Screeeeeee!!
My 2007 GE dryer sometimes has this squeek on start up. Since it is of a slightly longer duration, I attribute it to the rear shaft bearing. I think as that area warms up it causes the squeek to stop. These dryers are very easy to disassemble. I can have the drum of mine out on the floor in 5 minutes. Replacing the front glides is easy and inexpensive too. The back drum shaft is steel and the bearing appears to be some kind of composite material. In the past I think I have put a small dab of high temp grease on the shaft to quiet it. But I only do a couple of loads of laundry a week, so its not a top priority. If the bearing looks worn or oblong, replace it.
My 1997 GE dryer developed the squeal on startup, only did it for a few minutes but it was the plastic front bulkhead. Cheap on ebay and easy to replace.
