thumping noise coming from the rear of my dryer

[passatdoc]

Hey folks, I have a Frigidaire 1442 gas dryer stacked atop a 2140 washer. Today while emptying the drying I noticed a dull thumping-clicking noise emanating from the back of the dryer. The machine otherwise operated normally (clothes dried fine) and the thumping/clicking noise was heard in a regular rhythm about 100 times/minute (less than one second between thumps).

I have never had any dryer ever need a repair before, so I've never heard the warning signs before. My guess would be that a belt is on its way out. But my question is, do belts that are wearing out or frayed start making noise before they die? Or do they sound fine one minute and then the next minute the machine is dead? I have to run some errands right now, but my plan is to move the stack out from the wall this evening and remove the rear panel of the dryer to inspect. I'm hoping this is just a belt issue and nothing worse. I guess bearings can go out too.

Is it possible to diagnose the problem just be removing the rear panel for an inspection?

 

[tomturbomatic]

If the noise is happening with that rapidity, it must be coming from something that is turning faster than the drum. My first guess in other dryers would have something to do with the idler pulley. I guess your dryer has one.

 

[combo52]

THUMPING DRYER

You didn't say how old your dryer is or give a full model number. But many Frigidare dryers have problems with the rear drum bearing, check that all three screws in the rear center are in place and tight. There may also be three more screws out further from the center be sure that all these are in place and tight, these screws are all accessed from inside the dryer drum. It is not likely the belt causing this noise and this dryer is serviced from the front so no need to move the machine, in fact only a small access panel is removable at the back.

 

[passatdoc]

Model number is FG0 1442ES (not sure if digit after G is num

Year of manufacture 2006. Gas model.

Will check the interior drum screws to be sure they are all secure. The noise does seem to be occurring at a faster rate than the drum revolves.

Addendum: I checked the seven interior drum screws. All were tight and secure.