A dryer is a complicated machine, and many of its components act independently from others. Nonetheless, a professional technician has the training and tools to disassemble the cabinet and test each component. If he finds that one or more of the parts are defective, he can replace them quickly, and at a fraction of the cost of a new dryer.
A loud thumping sound while the dryer is running could mean that a belt that helps to rotate the drum is broken or weakened. To find the problem, remove the back or front service panel and locate the motor pulley and idler arm. If these are clogged with dirt and lint, the belt may be pulling too hard on the motor and causing the noise. This problem can usually be corrected by replacing the belt and cleaning the lint screen in the dryer’s lint vent.
Another cause of a loud thumping sound is worn drum bearings or supports, which will require removal of the entire dryer cabinet. These parts must be replaced to avoid further damage to the structure of the unit and possible fire hazards.
A dryer that takes forever to complete a cycle might have a defective exhaust vent. Check for a clogged lint screen in the dryer’s vent exhaust collar, and also for loose or sagging segments of ductwork, which can put undue strain on the blower motor. To clean the vent, use a dryer vent lint cleaning brush available at most hardware stores. dryer repair