The Call
A family in Pembroke Pines called us about their LG dryer making a rhythmic, loud thumping noise during every cycle. The noise had started gradually a few weeks earlier and had gotten progressively worse — now loud enough to hear from another room. The dryer was still heating and tumbling, but the noise was worrying them.
A rhythmic thumping that gets louder over time is one of the most recognizable dryer symptoms we diagnose. In the vast majority of cases — especially in LG front-loaders — it comes down to one thing: worn drum support wheels (also called drum rollers or drum glides).
Diagnosis
Reproduced the noise
Started the dryer and listened carefully. The thump occurred once per drum revolution — perfectly rhythmic. Classic signature of a worn support wheel, not a belt or bearing issue.
Opened the dryer cabinet
Removed the front panel and drum. Found the rear drum support wheels — a set of four — significantly worn. Two of them had developed flat spots on the rubber, explaining the rhythmic thump. The drum belt and idler pulley were inspected and found in good condition.
Checked drum glides
Inspected the front drum glides (felt slides). Slightly worn but still serviceable. Replaced as preventive maintenance since the dryer was already open.
The Repair
Our technician had the correct LG drum support wheel kit in the van. Replaced all four rear support wheels and the front drum glides while the dryer was open — it makes no sense to replace only the failed ones and leave worn ones behind. With everything reassembled, the dryer ran completely silently.
The entire job — disassembly, parts swap, reassembly, and test run — took 40 minutes.
What Causes Drum Support Wheels to Wear Out?
The drum support wheels bear the full weight of the drum and its contents on every rotation. Over time — typically after 5–8 years of regular use — the rubber on the wheels develops flat spots, cracks, or wears unevenly. In Florida's humidity, rubber deterioration can accelerate. Overloading the dryer (packing it too full) also puts excess stress on the wheels and shortens their lifespan.
The good news: this is one of the most affordable and fastest dryer repairs. If caught before the worn wheels damage the drum itself, it's a clean, straightforward fix.