What this means on these models
Before opening anything, check what is in the drum — coins and zips make most of the noise complaints on these machines. Belt, idler, rollers, glides and blower — that is the whole cast. Beyond those, the parts that wear are identifiable by sound, which is what the sections below set out.
What the owner sees and hears
- One knock per revolution — A flat spot on a roller or a set in the belt makes exactly this, once per revolution.
- Metal contact while tumbling — The longer it runs, the bigger the repair gets.
- A machine that has got progressively louder — Check whether the airflow has fallen too — the two usually travel together.
- Something loose inside — Empty the drum completely and run it briefly — if the noise is gone, the object was the cause.
- NEAR MISS — the drum will not turn — Turn the drum by hand: free rotation with no drive is the belt.
Ranked causes for these models
- Feet not all bearing — On a timber floor the room joins in, which makes a small fault seem large.
- A coin, zip or button rattling — Small hard objects pass the drum seal and reach the blower, where they clatter on every rotation.
- Debris in the blower housing — It ranks here because the blower sits in the lint path and unbalances gradually.
- Bearing surfaces worn — They produce both the squeal and the rhythmic thump, which is why they rank above the belt.
- Front glides or felt seal worn — Felt seals harden in heat and wear through, letting the drum rest on the bulkhead.
Check in this order, and why
- Check the feet and level the machine — Re-check after a cycle — machines settle.
- Remove everything and test — First because it is free and immediate and the test takes a minute.
- Listen as the drum coasts to a stop — A sound that fades with the drum is rotating; one that stops instantly is elsewhere.
- Turn the drum by hand with the machine isolated — A bump once per revolution names a flat roller or a belt set.
- Test the airflow while you are at it — Strong flow at the outside hood says the fan is doing its job.
Before you open anything
Safety
Never operate the machine with the filter out. Leave the door switch wired as it is: that switch is a safety device. Check the duct is not crushed when the machine goes back.
Models in the CED dryer family
Reference| Model number | Family key |
|---|---|
| CED35 | commercial-care:dryer:ced |
When this stops being a DIY job
Stop using the machine if the noise comes with heat, smoke or a burning smell. Ask for the rollers, glides, idler and belt to be assessed together — the access is the same and the parts wear in company.
The rest of this family
Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 12 years experience
Experienced technician with 12 years specializing in washing machine and dryer repairs across all major brands.
