A rhythmic thump can come from a flat-spotted roller after storage, a seam in the drum, an item in a baffle or a worn support component. Run the empty dryer briefly and see whether the thump fades within a few minutes of tumbling.
What this covers
- Dryers · noise
What it does not cover
Differential
Likely causes of “Dryer thumps once per drum revolution”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A roller or wheel has flat-spotted after storage
What separates it A regular thump once per drum turn that eases as the dryer warms up, on a dryer that sat unused for weeks.
How to confirm Run the empty dryer briefly and see whether the thump fades within a few minutes of tumbling.
- 2
An item is caught in a drum baffle or on a seam
What separates it A thump at the same point on every turn with a soft item or a coin visible in the drum.
How to confirm Check the drum and the baffles for objects with the power off.
- 3
The cabinet is unlevel
What separates it The dryer rocks slightly and the thump comes with a vibration of the whole cabinet, worse on a bare floor.
How to confirm Check the level of the cabinet from side to side and front to back and adjust the feet as the manual describes.
- 4
A worn support roller, glide or belt is failing
What separates it The thump persists when the drum is completely empty and worsens over weeks, sometimes with a squeal.
How to confirm Leave internal drum supports to service if the sound persists with the drum empty.
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the sound repeats at the same point each revolution when the dryer is empty.
- Whether it fades as the dryer warms up.
- Whether a squeal, scrape or burnt smell comes with it.
Try in this order
0 of 4 completedObserve before changing anything
ReversibleRun the empty dryer briefly and count whether the sound repeats at the same point each revolution.
Isolate the failing boundary
ReversibleRemove loose items, level the cabinet and allow a newly unused dryer a short warm-up only if the manual describes temporary roller flattening.
Apply the narrow correction
ReversibleIf the sound persists empty, leave internal drum supports to service.
Verify the result and stop at the boundary
ReversibleStop for metal scraping, drum binding, sparks or burning odor.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Stop for metal scraping, drum binding, sparks or a burning smell.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does my dryer thump right after it has been unused?+
Some rollers and drum supports flatten slightly when a dryer sits unused. If the manual says this is normal, the thump fades after a few minutes of tumbling.
Can a flat spot on a roller cause a thump?+
Yes. A roller can develop a flat spot after the dryer sits unused, causing a thump each revolution. It often fades after a few loads but a worn roller should be replaced.
What else causes a once-per-turn thump?+
A loose item in a baffle, a seam or lump in the drum seal, or a worn drum glide. Empty the drum and run it to see whether the sound stays.
When should I stop using the dryer?+
If the thump grows louder, the drum wobbles or you smell burning, stop and have it checked, since a failing roller or bearing can damage the drum.