Thump only with one or two heavy items
The dryer sounds normal with mixed laundry, but a towel, blanket, jeans, or shoes make it bang around.
Start here: Start with load size and drum contents before suspecting parts.
Dryer noise troubleshooting
LG Dryer Thumping Noise
Direct answer: If your LG dryer makes a thumping noise, start by figuring out whether the sound is coming from the load, something loose in the drum, or the drum support system. A steady thump that speeds up and slows down with drum rotation usually points to a worn drum roller or another drum support part, not the heater or controls.
Most likely: Most often, this is a heavy item bouncing, a shoe or zipper hitting the drum, or a drum roller with a flat spot after the dryer sat unused.
Listen to the rhythm of the sound. One thump per drum turn is a different problem than a fast rattle or a scraping squeal. Reality check: a single wet towel or a pair of shoes can sound a lot worse than a broken part. Common wrong move: running the dryer over and over to 'see if it clears up' when a worn roller is already chewing up the drum support.
Don’t start with: Do not start by ordering random electrical parts. Thumping is usually a mechanical noise you can narrow down with a few simple checks first.
Thump only with bulky loads?Redistribute the load and test with a few damp towels.
Thump even when empty?Shut power off and inspect the drum support parts next.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-17
What the thumping sounds like
Steady thump even with an empty drum
You hear a regular bump or knock that matches drum rotation with no clothes inside.
Start here: Go straight to drum support checks, especially the dryer drum rollers.
Thump is strongest for the first few minutes
The dryer starts with a heavy bumping sound, then smooths out as it warms up.
Start here: A flat-spotted dryer drum roller is the leading suspect.
Thump comes with scraping or rubbing
The noise is not just a soft bump. It may sound like the drum is dragging or wobbling.
Start here: Check for a worn dryer drum support roller, damaged dryer belt, or a drum that is no longer riding squarely.
Most likely causes
1. Load issue or hard items in the drum
A single heavy item, shoes, metal hardware, or something left in a pocket can make a strong repeating thump that sounds mechanical.
Quick check: Run the dryer empty for a minute. If the thump disappears, the load was the first problem to fix.
2. Flat-spotted or worn dryer drum roller
A roller that sat in one position too long or has worn bearings often makes a rhythmic thump, especially at startup.
Quick check: If the dryer thumps empty and the sound follows drum speed, the dryer drum rollers move to the top of the list.
3. Dryer belt damage or belt seam slap
A belt with damage, glazing, or a rough seam can slap once per rotation or let the drum ride unevenly.
Quick check: Look for a burnt-rubber smell, weak drum movement, or a thump that turned into a slap or squeak.
4. Object caught in the drum seam or worn front support
A bra wire, zipper pull, screw, or worn front glide area can make a repeating knock or rub as the drum turns.
Quick check: Inspect the drum holes, front lip, and felt area for anything sticking out or signs of rubbing.
Step-by-step fix
Step 1: Rule out a load problem first
This is the fastest safe check, and it catches a lot of 'bad dryer' noises that are really just laundry banging around.
- Open the dryer and remove everything from the drum.
- Check for shoes, items with metal buckles, coins, or anything hard that could strike the drum.
- Spin the empty drum by hand and listen for a bump, rub, or wobble.
- Run the dryer empty on an air-only or no-heat setting for a minute if your model allows it.
- Then test with 3 to 4 damp towels spread evenly in the drum instead of one heavy item.
Next move: If the thumping is gone empty and stays mild with a balanced towel load, the dryer itself is probably fine. If the dryer still thumps empty or with a balanced load, move on to internal drum support checks.
What to conclude: A noise that disappears empty is usually load-related. A noise that stays with no clothes points to a mechanical support part.
Stop if:
- The drum does not turn smoothly by hand.
- You smell burning rubber or hot electrical odor.
- The dryer shakes hard enough to walk or bang the cabinet.
Step 2: Check for something striking the drum or front lip
Small objects and worn front contact points can mimic a bad roller, and you can often spot them without taking much apart.
- Unplug the dryer before inspecting closely.
- Look inside the drum holes and along the front edge for a bra wire, screw, zipper piece, or other metal fragment.
- Check the lint filter opening for loose debris that could contact the drum.
- Use a flashlight to look for shiny rub marks, scoring, or fabric dust concentrated at one spot near the front of the drum.
- If you find a loose object, remove it carefully and retest.
Next move: If the thump is gone after removing debris, you likely caught the problem before it damaged support parts. If there is no loose object and the noise is still rhythmic, the drum support system is more likely.
What to conclude: A single contact point with fresh rub marks usually means something is hitting the drum. No visible strike point pushes suspicion back to rollers or belt support.
Step 3: Listen for the startup pattern
How the noise behaves in the first few minutes helps separate a flat-spotted roller from other noises.
- Plug the dryer back in and run it empty for a short test.
- Stand to the side and listen at startup, then again after 3 to 5 minutes.
- Notice whether the thump is heavy at first and gradually smooths out, or stays the same the whole time.
- Notice whether the sound is one heavy bump per drum turn or a faster slap or scrape.
Next move: If the noise is strongest cold and improves as the dryer runs, a flat-spotted dryer drum roller is very likely. If the noise stays harsh, gets worse, or turns into scraping, inspect the belt and drum support parts before running it again.
Step 4: Inspect the dryer drum rollers and belt
By this point, the simple outside checks are done. A steady empty-drum thump usually comes from worn support parts inside the cabinet.
- Unplug the dryer and open the cabinet far enough to access the drum support area according to your model's service layout.
- Check each dryer drum roller for flat spots, wobble, cracking, or rough movement on its shaft.
- Spin the rollers by hand. They should turn smoothly without grinding or hanging up.
- Inspect the dryer belt for fraying, glazing, cracks, or a damaged seam.
- Look for black dust, rubber debris, or wear marks that show the drum has been riding unevenly.
Next move: If you find a roller with a flat spot or rough bearing, replace the worn dryer drum roller set rather than guessing at unrelated parts. If the rollers look smooth and the belt is sound, inspect the front drum support area and drum alignment closely. If you still cannot pinpoint the source, it is time for a pro diagnosis.
Step 5: Replace the confirmed worn support part and retest before full loads
Once you have a clear failed part, the right move is to fix that mechanical support issue and verify the drum runs smooth before putting the dryer back into normal service.
- Replace the confirmed failed part, most often the dryer drum roller set or a damaged dryer belt.
- If one roller is clearly bad, inspect the matching support parts carefully so you do not leave a second worn piece behind.
- Reassemble the dryer, making sure the belt is routed correctly and the drum sits squarely on its supports.
- Run the dryer empty for several minutes and listen for a smooth, even rotation.
- Then dry a small balanced load of towels before returning to bulky items.
A good result: If the thump is gone empty and with a normal load, the repair is complete.
If not: If the thump remains after replacing the confirmed worn support part, stop running the dryer and have the drum support system checked for alignment, shaft wear, or drum damage.
What to conclude: A successful retest confirms you fixed the actual support problem. If the noise remains, there is likely a second mechanical issue that needs a closer look.
Replacement Parts
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FAQ
Why does my dryer thump only at the beginning of the cycle?
That usually points to a dryer drum roller with a flat spot. The roller can bump hard when cold, then smooth out a bit as it starts moving and warming up.
Can a dryer belt cause a thumping noise?
Yes, but it is usually more of a slap or repeating flap than a deep bump. If the belt is frayed, cracked, or riding wrong, it can make a rhythmic noise once per rotation.
Is it safe to keep using a dryer that is thumping?
Not for long. A small load-related thump is one thing, but a true empty-drum thump can turn into drum damage, belt failure, or metal rubbing if you keep running it.
How do I know if the noise is the load or the dryer itself?
Run the dryer empty for a short test. If the noise disappears, the load was the main issue. If the thump stays with an empty drum, look at the drum rollers and belt next.
Can something stuck in the drum really sound like a bad part?
Absolutely. A bra wire, screw, zipper piece, or other metal fragment can make a sharp repeating knock that sounds mechanical. That is why a close drum inspection comes before buying parts.