Dryer is vibrating

Your dryer’s supposed to dry clothes,  not sound like a jet engine taking off. If your dryer is vibrating, shaking, or rattling more than usual, something’s definitely not right.

We’ve had customers in Charlotte call us thinking their dryer was about to tip over. The good news? Most of the time, it’s not serious, and no, it’s probably not going to explode. But it is a sign something’s off, and if it’s not fixed, it can wear down parts faster or even cause a fire risk if left unchecked.

Here’s what might be causing the vibration, what you can try at home, and when it’s time to call in a professional for drying machine maintenance.

Why Is My Dryer Vibrating So Much?

1. Dryer Not Levelled Properly

Let’s start with the easiest fix: your dryer might just be sitting unevenly. If even one leg is a little off, the drum can spin off-balance and cause the whole machine to shake. Run your hand under each corner. If one leg is floating or you feel a gap, that’s the issue. A simple adjustment (or a shim) can make a huge difference.

2. The Load Might Be Off-Balance

Dryers don’t like when everything clumps to one side,  like when towels ball up or you throw in one heavy blanket with a bunch of small items. That uneven weight spins awkwardly and throws the drum off balance. Try redistributing the clothes and running a smaller or more balanced load.

3. Worn Drum Rollers or Supports

Inside the dryer are rollers that support the drum while it spins. Over time, these wear down or go flat in one spot, which causes thumping or shaking noises when the dryer runs. This usually starts subtle and gets worse over time. If the vibration is new but keeps happening, this might be your culprit.

4. The Blower Wheel Might Be Loose

The blower wheel pulls hot air through the drum and out the vent. If it gets clogged with lint or comes loose from the motor shaft, it can wobble and rattle while spinning. This one’s hard to spot from the outside, but it’s something we check on every service call involving noise or shaking.

5. Internal Screws or Brackets Are Loose

Sometimes, it’s something simple: a bracket inside has come loose, or a screw is rattling around. We’ve even found coins, screws, and small toys bouncing around inside dryers,  especially in family homes! If the sound is more like a “rattle” than a shake, this could be it.

Is It Dangerous If My Dryer Is Vibrating?

Not always,  but it can become dangerous if left untreated.

A dryer that’s vibrating constantly is under stress. Parts like the drum belt, motor, and support rollers wear out faster. Plus, if something inside is loose or clogged, it could lead to overheating.

According to Whirlpool, excess noise or vibration in dryers is often linked to worn drum rollers, imbalanced loads, or loose parts, all issues that should be inspected before they lead to bigger problems.

What You Can Try Before Calling Us

You might be able to quiet things down yourself with a few simple checks:

• Make sure your dryer is level. Adjust the feet or add shims under the legs until it doesn’t rock side to side.
• Try a different load. Pull everything out and try drying a smaller, evenly weighted load.
• Check the inside of the drum. Spin it by hand. Does it feel smooth or wobbly? A rough spot might mean the rollers are worn.
• Look behind the dryer. Make sure the vent hose isn’t kinked or banging against the wall.
• Listen for rattling sounds. If it sounds like metal on metal or something bouncing around, turn it off and call a tech.

Need Help? We Fix Vibrating Dryers Across Charlotte

Whether your dryer sounds like it’s dancing across the laundry room or it’s just started shaking a little too much, we’ve got you covered. At Just Call Appliance Repair, we service all major dryer brands,  Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, GE, and Maytag,  and we know exactly what to look for.

We offer same-day and next-day service in Charlotte and surrounding areas, and we never push repairs you don’t need. We’ll show up on time, figure out the issue, and get your dryer back to normal,  quietly.

FAQs: Dryer Is Vibrating or Shaking

Why is my dryer suddenly making loud vibrating sounds?

It could be an unbalanced load, worn drum rollers, or even a loose blower wheel. We’ll help you pinpoint it.

Can I fix a vibrating dryer myself?

Sometimes! Leveling the feet or rearranging the load can solve it. But if it’s internal, it’s best to have a technician check it out.

Will a vibrating dryer get worse over time?

Yes, worn parts will keep wearing down and can cause more damage if ignored. It’s better (and cheaper) to fix it early.

Do you work on all dryer brands?

We sure do, Whirlpool, LG, Maytag, Samsung, GE, Electrolux, and more. If the dryer shakes, we fix it.

Is a vibrating dryer dangerous?

Not always, but it can lead to bigger issues like overheating. According to the NFPA, mechanical failures are a top fire risk. Better safe than sorry.