What That Loud Banging Sound Means—and When to Call a Pro
You load your laundry, press start, and suddenly—bang, bang, bang. That rhythmic knocking noise coming from your dryer isn’t just annoying—it’s a sign something’s wrong. Left unchecked, those sounds can lead to major wear and tear, or even complete appliance failure.
At Xigent Appliance Repair, we get calls about noisy dryers all the time. The good news? Many causes are common, and some are even easy to fix yourself. Here are the five most likely reasons your dryer is knock-knocking, plus tips on what to do next.
1. Uneven or Overloaded Drum
The Problem:
Sometimes the issue is simple: the dryer drum is unbalanced because of a bulky or uneven load. Items like wet towels, sneakers, or bedding can throw off the drum’s rotation and cause loud thumping as it spins.
Signs to Look For:
- The knocking starts immediately after loading
- The dryer vibrates or shakes more than usual
- The noise goes away when the load is rearranged
Quick Fix:
Pause the cycle, open the dryer, and redistribute the clothes more evenly. Avoid drying items like shoes or heavy blankets alone—combine them with other items to balance the weight.
2. Worn or Broken Drum Support Rollers
The Problem:
Drum support rollers help the dryer drum rotate smoothly. Over time, these rollers can wear out or become misshapen, causing the drum to thump or bang as it spins.
Signs to Look For:
- Knocking persists no matter what’s inside the drum
- Noise gets louder with heavier loads
- You hear a low, rumbling sound in addition to banging
What to Do:
Unfortunately, this is not a DIY fix for most homeowners. Worn rollers require the dryer to be partially disassembled. A professional technician from Xigent can replace them quickly and safely.
3. Damaged Drum Belt or Pulley
The Problem:
The drive belt connects the motor to the drum. If the belt is fraying or slipping, or if the idler pulley is damaged, the drum won’t rotate evenly—leading to rhythmic knocking or squealing.
Signs to Look For:
- Knocking that gets worse over time
- Dryer struggles to start or rotate the drum
- You hear squeaking or chirping sounds before or during banging
What to Do:
This issue requires inspecting internal parts of the dryer. Replacing a belt or pulley is best handled by an experienced appliance tech who can also check for other signs of wear.
4. Loose or Broken Baffles Inside the Drum
The Problem:
Drum baffles (or lifters) are the plastic or metal fins inside the drum that tumble clothes. If one becomes loose or breaks, it can rattle, thump, or knock as the drum spins.
Signs to Look For:
- You hear a loud clunk once per drum rotation
- One area inside the drum feels loose
- You find sharp edges or cracks near the baffles
Quick Fix:
If you’re comfortable doing so, you can visually inspect the baffles. Tightening a loose screw may resolve the problem. However, broken baffles will need replacement to avoid damaging clothes or the drum itself.
5. Foreign Object Stuck in the Drum or Blower
The Problem:
Coins, buttons, screws, or other small objects can get caught in the drum seams, between the drum and seal, or in the blower wheel. These can cause repeated knocking or scraping sounds.
Signs to Look For:
- The sound started suddenly after a recent load
- You hear metallic clinking or scraping
- The noise seems to come from one specific area
What to Do:
Check inside the drum thoroughly, including the lint trap and seal areas. If the object isn’t visible but the sound continues, the item may be lodged deeper inside—time to call a technician.
When to Call Xigent Appliance Repair
If the knocking:
- Happens with every load (no matter how it’s arranged)
- Is getting louder or more frequent
- Is paired with other symptoms like no heat, poor drying, or a burning smell
…it’s time to get a professional diagnosis. Continuing to run a damaged dryer can wear out components faster and lead to more expensive repairs—or create a safety hazard.
Our local experts at Xigent Appliance Repair can quickly identify the cause of that mystery knocking and get your dryer running quietly and efficiently again.
Tip: Prevent Dryer Noise Before It Starts
A little maintenance goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your dryer running smoothly:
- Clean the lint trap after every load
- Have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once a year
- Avoid overloading the machine
- Listen for changes in sound—early noise can signal early intervention
Say Goodbye to the Knock-Knock
Don’t let a noisy dryer ruin your day (or your wardrobe). Whether it’s a simple fix or a part replacement, Xigent is here to help with fast, affordable, and professional dryer repair services.
Schedule your service today
Proudly serving Salem, Oregon and the entire Willamette Valley: 971-342-9001