When a dryer makes noise only under a full load, something is usually off balance inside. It can be frustrating to hear a loud squeak start up every time you do laundry, especially if the machine runs quietly when empty. We’ve handled this issue many times at Saga Appliance Repair Ottawa, and most of the time it comes down to pressure, worn parts, or misalignment that only reveals itself with extra weight. Understanding where the problem comes from helps stop the noise before it turns into real damage. Let’s break down what’s happening and how you can fix it.

How Load Weight Affects the Dryer Drum

Extra weight causes extra stress. When the drum is full of clothes, especially heavy or wet ones, it puts pressure on the rollers, bearings, and drive belt. During a normal cycle, this pressure forces parts to work harder, and if any part is slightly worn, that stress creates friction. As a result, the squeaking sound often starts under load and disappears when empty.

This problem usually points to rollers that no longer turn smoothly or bearings that grind when under pressure. In some dryers, the belt tightens differently depending on the weight, so if it’s slightly stretched or cracked, you might only hear the squeak when it has to grip a heavier load. Most importantly, that sound signals wear. To avoid damage or failure, we recommend scheduling an inspection with a qualified team that offers dryer repair in Ottawa. Fixing it early costs less than replacing it later.

Common Dryer Parts That Cause Squeaking

Drum support rollers are the most common culprits. These rollers sit beneath the drum and help it rotate evenly. When the bearings inside them wear out, they squeak or squeal under weight. Secondly, the idler pulley, which keeps the belt tight, often gets noisy when its wheel or shaft starts to grind.

Next is the drum bearing, usually found at the back of the dryer. If this bearing is dry or worn, it causes a metal-on-metal noise, especially with a full load shifting the drum’s weight toward the rear. Lastly, the belt itself might be cracked, stretched, or glazed. Under load, it can slip slightly and squeal as it tries to maintain traction. These noises get worse over time. For anyone looking to address the issue before it leads to a breakdown, we always suggest calling for appliance repair in Ottawa before the noise turns into a burnt smell or complete stop.

How Improper Loading Causes Pressure Points

Balance matters more than people think. When laundry bunches to one side or gets tangled into a heavy clump, it changes the drum’s center of gravity. That extra pressure lands on one section of the rollers or bearing. Over time, this uneven weight causes early wear. The drum may shift slightly off track, which leads to new noises or rubbing sounds that only happen when fully loaded.

Towels, blankets, or jeans often cause this because they hold more water. If they’re packed too tightly or overloaded beyond the machine’s limits, the internal parts get pushed past their normal movement range. This doesn’t just cause squeaking. It can lead to wobbling, shaking, and even belt misalignment. To prevent these issues, avoid cramming your dryer and try mixing heavy and light items evenly. When squeaking starts anyway, it’s usually time to speak with a local team who can help assess the internal parts through a proper dryer repair inspection.

Signs the Drum Rollers Are Wearing Out

A squeak isn’t always constant. In many cases, it cycles with each drum turn. That’s one of the biggest signs that at least one roller is starting to fail. The sound usually lines up with the same point every time the drum makes a full rotation. Over time, it gets louder or starts sooner in the cycle.

If the dryer still spins freely but squeaks only when fully loaded, it means the rollers still turn—but their bearings may be dry or flat on one side. Worn rollers lose their shape and create uneven contact with the drum. Once that happens, every heavy load presses harder on the weak spots. In worse cases, rollers begin to seize, and the machine struggles to tumble at all. Our team at Saga Appliance Repair Ottawa has replaced these parts many times. When caught early, they’re an affordable fix that can extend the life of the dryer and restore quiet cycles.

Why the Idler Pulley Tells You When It’s Failing

The idler pulley is small but important. It keeps the dryer belt tight enough to rotate the drum. If the pulley wears out, its wheel starts to grind or squeal, especially under tension. That tension increases when you load the drum, which is why the noise often begins only during heavier cycles.

A failing idler pulley may also chirp or screech when starting up, then quiet down once the drum gains momentum. That’s a red flag. It usually means the pulley’s wheel or shaft is running dry or out of alignment. When ignored, it can cause the belt to slip, fray, or even snap. We’ve seen belts snap mid-cycle simply because a pulley was left to grind down for too long. If your machine groans, chirps, or squeals when it starts with laundry inside, don’t wait. Schedule a checkup from a local team offering trusted appliance repair in Ottawa so the pulley can be replaced before damage spreads.

When the Dryer Belt Is the Source of the Squeak

Belts don’t always make noise on their own. But when they do, it’s usually when they’re worn, dry, or slipping slightly. A stretched or cracked belt might still spin the drum fine when empty. But under a full load, it needs to grip harder, and that’s when squeaks or high-pitched rubbing sounds begin.

The belt might also begin to glaze or harden from years of heat, which makes its surface less flexible. As a result, it doesn’t wrap the drum smoothly. Each rotation causes minor slips or squeals as the belt loses and regains traction. Over time, this leads to frayed edges or full breakage. A full dryer load speeds up this failure. Replacing the belt is simple when done early, but we’ve seen cases where a frayed belt wraps around parts and damages more components. We suggest a quick belt check during any professional dryer repair in Ottawa service to prevent major failure.

What We Check During a Dryer Squeak Diagnosis

First, we spin the drum by hand. If it feels stiff, uneven, or gritty, it often points to worn rollers or a dry bearing. Then we check the belt tension and pulley movement. These parts should turn smoothly without sticking or slipping. If any part feels hot, loose, or squeaky, that usually confirms where the problem starts.

Next, we inspect inside for any lint buildup or part obstruction. Lint can clog the rollers or pulleys and make them drag. A blocked vent can also force the dryer to overheat, which hardens the belt or damages bearings. Finally, we test the machine with and without a full load to pinpoint pressure-based problems. After confirming the source, we recommend the simplest and safest fix. If you’re unsure what’s causing your dryer to squeak only when fully loaded, it’s best to speak directly with our team through Saga Appliance Repair Ottawa’s contact form. We’ll walk you through the next steps and help you get quiet cycles again.

FAQ

Why does my dryer only squeak when it’s full?
The weight puts pressure on worn parts like rollers, bearings, or belts, which only squeak when under load.

Can I keep using my dryer if it’s squeaking?
You can, but it’s risky. The squeak signals wear. Continued use can lead to belt damage or drum failure.

What if the dryer is quiet when empty but noisy with towels?
Heavy items shift the drum weight more, putting strain on weak parts. This reveals problems that don’t show up when empty.

Will cleaning fix the squeaking sound?
Not usually. Cleaning helps maintain airflow, but squeaks usually mean worn or dry moving parts that need repair or replacement.

How long does a dryer roller or pulley last?
Most last several years, but frequent overloading or skipped maintenance can wear them out faster than expected.