GE's troubleshooting table for the Profile PFD95 treats noise briefly and honestly: some shaking and noise is normal, and the fix for the rest is to move the dryer to an even floor space or adjust the leveling legs until it sits even. GE's installation instructions add that the stainless steel drum will not rust if scratched or dented, so drum marks do not cause noise problems. The end-of-cycle signal and press-pad volume are set with the Sound pad, so a loud beep is a setting, not a fault.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dryer makes squealing, thumping, scraping or rattling noises”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The dryer is sitting unevenly
What separates it Shaking or a thump that rises with the drum speed and the dryer rocks
How to confirm Move the dryer to an even floor space or adjust the leveling legs until even
- 2
Normal shaking and noise
What separates it A moderate hum and tumbling sound with a full load
How to confirm GE says some shaking and noise is normal
- 3
A loud end-of-cycle signal or key sound
What separates it A loud beep at the end of a cycle or when a pad is pressed
How to confirm Change the volume with the Sound pad, on the control panel
- 4
A hard item in the load
What separates it A rhythmic tap or clank once per drum turn
How to confirm Stop the dryer and check pockets and the drum
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the sound is a hum, a thump, a scrape or a beep
- Whether the dryer rocks when you press on the top corners
- Whether it happens with an empty drum
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the level
ReversiblePlace a level on the top of the dryer and adjust the leveling legs until it is even front to back and side to side. GE's table gives this as the fix for shaking and noise.
Accept normal noise
ReversibleGE says some shaking and noise is normal. A steady hum with a load is not a fault.
Check the load
ReversibleEmpty all pockets before laundering; coins and hardware make a clank, and paper and tissue clog the lint filter.
Set the sound volume
ReversiblePress the Sound pad as many times as needed to reach the desired loudness. On some models there are four sound levels including off.
Run an empty drum
ReversibleRun Timed Dry for a couple of minutes with the drum empty. If the noise remains, note it and contact service.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Where noise can come from
- GE's table covers only leveling and normal noise, so any other sound needs an inspection with the dryer stopped. The installation instructions add that the dryer must stand on a firm even floor and that leveling legs are adjusted so the dryer does not rock; the Sound pad controls the volume of signals and pad presses.
- Parts for this problem on the PFD95 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- drive belt, part number WE03X29704, at $18.13.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models GFD85, GFD65, GTD65, GTD58, GTD45, PTD90.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a scrape or squeal continues with an empty drum, stop using the dryer and contact GE Appliances service
- !If the noise comes with a burning smell, stop and follow the burning-smell page
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE Appliances' own support article for a dryer that tumbles but does not heat.
GE's own page for the Profile 7.8 cu ft smart front-load electric dryer with steam, listing the manual, installation guide and warranty.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Is shaking normal?+
GE says some shaking and noise is normal, but a dryer that sits unevenly should be leveled.
How do I level the dryer?+
Move it to an even floor space or adjust the leveling legs until it sits even.
How do I make the beep quieter?+
Press the Sound pad repeatedly to choose a level; some models have four levels including off.
Will scratches on the drum matter?+
No. The stainless steel drum will not rust or corrode if scratched or dented.
What if it rattles with an empty drum?+
Stop and contact service; the noise is from the dryer, not the load.
Do steam cycles make noise?+
Steam released at different times in a cycle is normal; a clogged steam nozzle can be replaced with kit WE25M71.
Can I stack the dryer?+
GE's manual has stacking instructions with the proper kit; use them exactly.
Should I run it on a washer's platform?+
Follow the installation instructions; the floor must support the dryer evenly.