Amana Dryer Loud Grinding Noise: Troubleshooting Guide -... | appliancefaults.com

Technical Background:

The dryer's MCU controls the motor, heating element, and various sensors. The motor receives 120V AC power to rotate the drum and blower wheel. The drum is supported by rollers and glides/felt pads. The blower wheel circulates air through the drum and out the exhaust vent.

Symptoms:

The homeowner reports a loud, metal-on-metal grinding noise coming from the Amana dryer during operation. The noise may be intermittent or constant and may increase with drum speed.

Possible Causes:

Worn drum support rollers
Damaged drum glide or felt pads
Defective blower wheel
Worn or broken motor shaft bearing
Obstruction in the blower housing

Solution:

1

Unplug the dryer from the 120V AC outlet and turn off the breaker.
2

Remove the lint filter and access panel (usually with a 1/4-inch nut driver).
3

Inspect the drum support rollers for wear and tear. Spin the drum manually to listen for the grinding noise. Replace if worn.
4

Examine the drum glide pads or felt pads for damage or wear. These are typically located at the front of the dryer drum. Replace if damaged.
5

Check the blower wheel for obstructions or damage. Remove the blower housing cover (usually with a 5/16-inch socket). Remove any debris or replace the blower wheel if damaged.
6

If the motor shaft bearing is suspected, it may require disassembly of the motor. A qualified technician should handle this.
7

Replace any worn or damaged parts. Test the dryer after each replacement to isolate the source of the noise.

Safety Warning:

Disconnect power to the dryer before performing any repairs. Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) the breaker panel to prevent accidental energizing. Dryer components may have sharp edges. Wear gloves to protect your hands. High voltage is present when the dryer is powered on.

Prevention:

Regularly clean the lint filter after each load. Check and clean the exhaust vent annually to prevent lint buildup, which can strain the dryer components. Inspect the drum rollers and glide pads every 2-3 years for wear and replace as needed.

Expert Tip:

A common trick is to use a stethoscope to pinpoint the exact location of the grinding noise while the dryer is running (with extreme caution, of course!). Some Amana dryers have a diagnostic mode activated by pressing and holding certain buttons for a few seconds (consult the service manual for specific button combinations).

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I access the drum support rollers on my Amana dryer?

Typically, you need to remove the front panel or the top panel of the dryer to access the drum support rollers. The specific procedure varies depending on the model. Consult the service manual or online resources for detailed instructions and diagrams.

•What type of lubricant should I use on the new drum support rollers?

Use a high-temperature, silicone-based grease specifically designed for appliance applications. This will help reduce friction and extend the life of the rollers. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants, as they can damage the roller material.

•If the grinding noise persists after replacing the drum rollers and felt pads, what else could be the cause?

If the noise persists, the motor shaft bearing is a strong possibility. It's also possible that there's still some debris lodged in the blower housing that you missed. Double-check the blower wheel and housing, and consider consulting with a qualified appliance technician to diagnose the motor bearing.

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•How do I access the drum support rollers on my Amana dryer?

•What type of lubricant should I use on the new drum support rollers?

•If the grinding noise persists after replacing the drum rollers and felt pads, what else could be the cause?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: