Does your Whirlpool Duet Dryer squeak and squeal like an old rusty rollercoaster? This is a common issue that some homeowners experience occasionally.
While there are many squeaky culprits in this screeching soprano, you can easily tackle most of them. The suspect list includes a bad dryer belt, improper installation, worn bearings, etc.
Keep reading our blog post, as we decipher the causes behind these elusive squeaks, providing you with proper fixes and troubleshooting tips. So, stay tuned to restore the long-missed tranquility in your laundry room.
Why Is Your Whirlpool Duet Dryer Squeaking? Common Causes and Fixes
There are various causes leading your Whirlpool Duet Dryer to squeak non-stop. At this point, you typically feel like you need help figuring out how and where to start the troubleshooting journey.
Don’t panic, though! The key to good riddance of the squeaky dilemma is proper diagnosis.
Now, let’s delve deeper into these causes and their symptoms, so you can correctly identify the reason behind the whining opera.
1a. Not Balanced Evenly
Uneven dryer legs are a prime suspect behind any squeaky dryer. This often-disregarded issue wreaks havoc on the appliance’s performance and longevity. All this begins with damaged leveling legs.
In addition to the inconvenient loud noise and uneven drying, squeaky dryer vibrations put extra stress on the internal parts, leading to the following premature damage to vital components.
Leaving your dryer jerking around unbalanced for long, strains the drive belt, and bearings, and shortens the motor’s lifespan.
1b. How to Fix the Unbalanced Dryer
If the leveling legs appear cracked or worn out, replace them. If not, ensure they are properly leveled by doing the following:
- Get a spirit level – Use this leveling tool as your guide to balance the new set of legs. When placing the spirit level on the dryer, ensure to position it both front-to-back and side-by-side.
- Adjust the legs – Use a wrench to turn the nuts securing the adjustable legs. Keep doing so, until the air bubble inside your spirit compass settles in the middle.
Note: If the back side remains slightly off balance, you can support it with a slim piece of cardboard to restore the balance.
2a. Belt Has Failed
Your dryer relies on its drive belt to power its spins. A broken or slipped belt can fail the entire laundry day. Malfunctioning belts cause non-stop rackets, uneven drying, extended cycles, and increased strain on the motor.
2b. How to Replace the Whirlpool Dryer Belt
Before making a trip to a nearby hardware store, let’s try this trick first. Grab your sturdy wrench and join your Whirlpool Duet tensioner pulley for a dance. A simple tweak of the pulley’s bolt or nut might be all you need to get the belt back on track without squeaking.
Unfortunately, the adjustment trick won’t hush the squeaky serenade if you have a wounded belt. This means seeing your old warrior off and welcoming a fresh one. In this case, you can either grab the user’s manual for replacement instructions or call in the pros.
Remember, adding some lithium-based grease to lubricate the tensioner pulley, before installing the new belt, helps eliminate the squeaking sound.
3a. Problematic Idler Pulley
While supporting and keeping the belt on the right path, this silent hero is meant to last long. But as with many dryer parts, it may wear and tear over time. A faltered pulley leads to increased friction, creating jarring squeaks.
Identifying a squeaky pulley is a walk in the park. Simply check it for visible misalignment or signs of damage.
3b. How to Fix the Idler Pulley or Bearings
Whirlpool Duet dryer squeaks and whines non-stop when its idler pulley is either misaligned or defective. Give it a gentle nudge back into place and apply some suitable lubricant. If this idler pulley troubleshooting method is a roadblock, it’s time for plan B.
Most modern dryers come with bearings in their idler pulleys. Damaged bearings could be the backstage conductors of the persistent squeaking symphony. Before making assumptions, perform this quick test. Leave the pulley spinning for a while to get reliable results:
- Mix some soap with water and pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray the mix on the rotating pulley, visible through removing the access panel.
- If the soapy solution runs off peacefully, it points to the outstanding shape of the bearings. The presence of various soapy bubbles indicates unsealed and damaged bearings.
For the latter, it’s time for a new pulley replacement.
4a. Unclean Roller Shafts
Most Whirlpool Duet Dryers come with at least two shafts located behind the drum. These tiny but mighty components support the continuous and harmonious dryer drum rotation.
Roller shafts may squeak for help when they are obstructed with buildup or no longer in shape. Visual inspection guides you to the proper diagnosis of the shafts.
4b. How to Unblock the Shafts
If you detect a whining noise coming from the roller shafts, start by looking for gunk buildup. Depending on the type of blockage, you can decide on the right cleaning tools. For instance, you can remove lint residue with a soft brush and damp cleaning cloth for stubborn deposits.
Greasing the clean shafts is also useful to silence the ongoing whining. Use the recommended lubricant type that you find in the user’s manual.
Some dryer models need lithium-based lubricants, while others require silicone-based products. In other instances, some manufacturers may recommend applying high-temperature grease on their dryers’ shafts.
On the other hand, physical cracks on the shafts signal replacement time.
5a. Faulty Dryer Door
Didn’t expect your Whirlpool duet dryer door to serenade you with a squeak, right? Turns out, the door latch might be chocked by dirt or has a damaged seal or loose screws.
The good news is that these issues are not as serious as internal problems, and you can easily tackle them on your own.
5b. How to Fix the Faulty Door
Despite the variety of causes behind a squealing door, you can easily fix them through the correct culprit diagnosis. To correctly troubleshoot a hauling whirlpool dryer door, do the following:
- Restore hinges – Use the right lubricant to grease the squeaky hinges. Make sure not to overuse the lube, as this might attract more dirt and gunk.
- Seal – If the door seal is damaged, it’s past its prime. Dispose of it and install a functional one.
- Tighten – Thoroughly inspect the door and hinges for loose bolts or screws and tighten them accordingly.
Conclusion
In your pursuit to restore quietness in your laundry room, our DIY troubleshooting tips equip you to face your Whirlpool Duet Dryer Squeaky noises.
Remember to unplug the machine before any troubleshooting attempts, then detect the source and apply proper fixes.
Ready to restore your home’s tranquility? Grab your dryer repair kit, roll up your sleeves, and follow our guide to reclaim the long-gone peace in the laundry room today.
If you feel overwhelmed by these fixes, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed repair technician.
Also, if your Whirlpool Duet Dryer shows other malfunctioning symptoms, such as showing PF code or F1 error code, browse these relevant blog posts for more troubleshooting insight:
Whirlpool Duet Dryer Not Spinning: 7 Ways To Fix It Now
Whirlpool Duet Dryer Troubleshooting: Step-By-Step Guide
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
