Hum, no hum or a free-spinning drum: what it tells you
If the drum spins very easily by hand and the motor runs, the belt has probably snapped. If the motor hums but nothing moves, the motor or its start parts may have failed, or something is jamming the drum. If there is no sound at all, the door switch, the controls or the power supply is more likely.
Common causes
These are the usual causes, starting with the ones you can check yourself.
At a glance
| Cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|
| The door is not closing fully | You can check this |
| The drum is overloaded or jammed | You can check this |
| The drive belt has broken | Technician |
| The tensioner pulley or drum rollers are worn | Technician |
| The motor has failed | Technician |
- 1
The door is not closing fully
You can check thisA worn latch or a faulty door switch stops the dryer starting. Close the door firmly and listen for the click.
- 2
The drum is overloaded or jammed
You can check thisToo many heavy items, or a sock or coin caught between the drum and the front, can stop the drum turning.
- 3
The drive belt has broken
TechnicianThe belt wraps around the drum and the motor. When it snaps, the motor runs but the drum stays still. This is the most common cause.
- 4
The tensioner pulley or drum rollers are worn
TechnicianWorn rollers and a worn tensioner make squealing or thumping noises before they fail, and can throw the belt off.
- 5
The motor has failed
TechnicianA motor that hums without turning, or makes no sound with a working door and controls, may have failed or have a failed start part.
What you can safely check yourself
- Unplug the dryerSwitch off at the wall before checking anything.
- Check the doorClose the door firmly and check the latch is not cracked or loose.
- Empty the drumTake the clothes out and look for anything caught at the front or back of the drum.
- Turn the drum by handIf it spins very freely with no resistance, the belt has probably broken. If it will not turn at all, something is jammed or a roller has seized.
- Clean the lint filterA full filter will not stop the drum, but clean it while you are there to help the dryer run well.
When to stop and call a technician
There is a burning smell, the dryer trips the power, the motor hums loudly without turning, or you would need to remove panels to see the cause. Dryers have hot parts and mains wiring inside.
Still having trouble with your tumble dryer?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses it
- Belt and pulley checkThe technician opens the dryer and checks the belt, tensioner and rollers.
- Motor testThe motor and its start parts are tested.
- Door switch and controlsThe door switch and control board are checked if the motor gets no power.
- Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.
Is it worth repairing?
Usually worth repairing when
- The belt or a roller has failed
- The dryer heats well
- It is a heat pump or higher-end model
Consider replacing when
- The motor has failed on an older vented dryer
- The drum is damaged
- Several parts have worn out together