Is Your Dryer Drum Stuck? Why It Won’t Spin or Tumbles Non-Stop
A dryer is designed to do one simple thing: tumble your clothes and apply heat to dry them. So when the drum stops spinning or, even stranger, keeps tumbling long after the cycle is over, it’s a clear sign something is wrong. A dryer that isn’t spinning can leave you with a load of wet, heavy clothes, while one that won’t stop can overheat and waste energy.
At Star Appliance Repair, we know how frustrating these issues can be. We offer reliable, in-home dryer repair in Toronto and throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We’re here to help you understand the problem so you can get your laundry routine back on track safely and efficiently.
Part I: The Dryer Drum Isn’t Spinning
This is a very common issue, and the cause is almost always a broken mechanical component. You may hear the motor humming or buzzing, but the drum stays still.
- Broken Drive Belt: This is the most frequent culprit. The drive belt is a long, thin rubber belt that wraps around the drum, the motor pulley, and an idler pulley. Its job is to transfer the motor’s motion to the drum. Over time, the belt can become worn, frayed, or snap entirely. If you can open the door and turn the drum easily by hand without any resistance, the belt is likely broken.
- Worn-Out Drum Rollers: The drum rests on a set of small wheels called rollers, which allow it to spin smoothly. If these rollers wear down, become flat, or get stuck, they create too much friction for the motor to turn the drum. This can also lead to a loud thumping or rumbling noise.
- Failed Idler Pulley: The idler pulley keeps tension on the drive belt. If it fails, the belt will be too loose to turn the drum. A broken idler pulley is often accompanied by a squealing noise.
- Faulty Motor: The motor is the heart of the spinning system. If the motor is burned out or has an internal short, it won’t be able to turn the drum. This is a more serious issue that requires a professional repair.
- Door Switch Problem: As a safety feature, the dryer won’t spin unless the door is completely closed. If the door switch is broken or the latch isn’t fully engaging, the dryer won’t start the tumble cycle.
Part II: The Dryer is Running Continuously
A dryer that won’t shut off on its own is a less common but equally frustrating issue. This is usually a problem with the machine’s control system or sensors.
- Defective Moisture Sensor: In dryers with “auto dry” or “sensor dry” cycles, the machine uses a moisture sensor to determine when the clothes are dry. If this sensor is malfunctioning or has a layer of fabric softener or residue on it, it may incorrectly sense that the clothes are still wet, causing the dryer to run indefinitely. Cleaning the sensor bars with rubbing alcohol can sometimes fix this.
- Faulty Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the internal temperature of the dryer. If it fails to send the correct signal to the control board, the dryer might keep running even after the clothes are dry, because the machine doesn’t receive the “all clear” signal.
- Stuck Timer or Control Board: In older models with a mechanical timer, the timer motor can fail, preventing the timer knob from advancing to the “off” position. In modern dryers with electronic controls, a faulty control board or a stuck relay can continuously send the “on” signal to the motor.
DIY vs. Professional Dryer Repair
While you can perform some basic troubleshooting steps, many dryer repairs are complex and can be dangerous to attempt without professional training.
Simple fixes you can try yourself:
- Check the door latch: Make sure the door is securely closed and that you hear a click.
- Inspect the dryer vent: A severely clogged vent can cause the dryer to overheat and trip a thermal fuse, which can prevent the drum from spinning.
- Clean the moisture sensor: In dryers with an “auto dry” setting, the two metal bars inside the drum are the moisture sensors. Cleaning them can help with continuous running issues.
When to call a professional:
- Broken Belt or Rollers: While some homeowners are comfortable with this repair, it requires extensive disassembly of the machine. An incorrect re-installation can lead to more problems.
- Motor or Electrical Issues: Dealing with the dryer’s motor, control board, or internal wiring can be dangerous. These repairs should only be performed by a trained professional to ensure safety.
- A Dryer That Won’t Stop: This issue often points to a problem with the control board or a thermostat, which are best diagnosed and repaired by a professional.
If you’re facing a dryer that won’t spin or won’t stop, a professional diagnosis is the safest way to get your appliance back in working order. Call us at (647)-847-8774.