Dryer drum doesn't turn; makes a loud squeak sound

Sounds like a bearing or the drive belt. Try turning the empty drum by hand. If it sounds normal you probably just need to replace the belt. If it make strange sounds when you turn it by hand then its probably the bearing.

The belt isn't a big deal but a bearing probably is.

All ge dryers have a center bearing on the back side of the drum and drum glides on the frontside. The glides make a scrubbing sound when bad and the drum is hard to turn. The rear bearing does a squeak thang when the plastic bearing wears thin and begins to make metal to metal contact between drum mount and rear bulkhead mount. It is an easy fix but the drum gotta come out. here is my pictorial page that shows how with videos and repair pix:
Paw Paws GE dryer repair page

http://appliancejunk.blogspot.com/2011/09/late-model-hotpoint-dryer.html

http://appliancejunk.blogspot.com/2011/08/hotpoint-dryer-eating-clothes.html

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/dan_73bbd84fe1d95b61

Hi,
Here is a tip that I wrote about dryers and noises...

It will help you determine what is happening there...

Dryer Repair Squeaks, Grinding, Clicking and Knocking Noise


heatman101


sdfhywt4

THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN IDLER PULLEY THAT KEEPS THE TENSION ON THE BELT. SECOND CHOICE WOULD BE DRUM ROLLERS.

how old? Dryers squeak for one of 3 reasons..bad belt, bad motor or drum rubbing against dryer framework.
run it empty...intermittent squeaks usually are the drum...something's bent
continuous- is there any burning smell? If so, most likely the motor, if not, possibly the belt.
Open the top (most have screws or can just be pried open) and watch it run...identify the source of the sound if possible

try spraying the belt and motor with a little wd-40 and let it dry for a day, then try again.
If that doesn't help, repairman or new/used dryer...probably better off to find a decent one off of craigslist b4 paying to repair an already faulty machine

Only a few things will make that noise. The squeaking is caused by a moving part having trouble turning while rubbing against a fixed part.

1. The idler pulley is worn
2. The drum support rollers are hard turning on their shafts
3. The felt seals at the front or back of the drum is worn allowing metal to metal contact while turning
4. An article has fallen into the housing around the blower wheel and the wheel is rubbing on it.

Listen for the frequency of the sound. The drum rollers and drum felts will squeak at the frequency of the tub turning. The idler pulley turns much faster as does the blower wheel. Knowing this will help pin down the cause.

The following link has valuable information on taking apart your style of dryer:

Sears Dryer Disassembly

sounds like you need to adjust the motor that turns the drum to tighten the drive belt..... you do this from the back or bottom...

Try checking the glide wheels under the barrel they may need to be cleaned and lubed.

Replace all the drum rollers.

Solution: the drum slides were worn out and needed replacement.