Direct answer
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.
What this covers
- Dryers · noise
- The exact symptom in the title before component-level repair
- Consumer-accessible controls, connections and maintenance areas
What it does not cover
- ×Smoke, burning odor, swelling, liquid on powered parts or damaged wiring
- ×Opening sealed panels, bypassing interlocks or live-electrical testing
- ×Account ownership, billing or warranty disputes
Observe 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.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Visible sources support the visible claims. Home Product Support records the publisher, the fact used and the review date; community reports can suggest an issue but do not become a published fact on their own.
Exact questions
Common follow-ups
What should I check first for “Dryer thumps once per drum revolution”?+
Run the empty dryer briefly and count whether the sound repeats at the same point each revolution.
How do I know whether the problem is external or inside the device?+
Remove loose items, level the cabinet and allow a newly unused dryer a short warm-up only if the manual describes temporary roller flattening.
When should I stop and request repair?+
Stop for metal scraping, drum binding, sparks or burning odor.
Answer for the exact device and software version shown above.