I have a Hotpoint Dryer model number NWXR473ET3WB, serial number AS734400A that suddenly started making a very loud noise while running. It actually sounds exactly like an electric home made ice-cream freezer. It does get hot, in fact it may even be getting too hot now. I could not even touch the top of the unit last night, it was so hot. This is not normal behavior for my dryer. Please help! Thanks.

Is the drum turning? If the belt broke and the motor was running the heat would continue and the noise might sound like a jack hammer....if the drum is turning you could also have the heating element(s) touching the back of the drum which would again not let the heat turn off and would make some strange noises...

Yes, the drum is turning, but if I try to turn the drum by hand counter closckwise is difficult, counter clockwise is even more difficult. What would cause the element to rub against the drum? How can I check to see if that is what the problem is?

Always turn the drum CCW, I would take the dryer apart and see if something is in the blower wheel..

How do I do that? I am a newby to this, but not to self-help type stuff. I just need basic instructions and should be able to handle it. I will unplug the dryer before I touch a single screw. I have tremendous respect for electricity! Thanks again for all of your help!

Here's a help link that will explain how to take it apart:
http://www.applianceaid.com/take-apart.html

Remember to unplug or turn the breaker off to your dryer first!

Jake

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Ok, I took the top, sides, and front off of the dryer and checked the blower wheel for an obstruction. There was a little lint in it, but nothing else, so I gave the entire inside of the dryer a thorough cleaning with my Kirby and put it back together. It ran like a charm and hummed perfectly yesterday. This morning, it started making the loud noise again. I cannot afford to replace it right now so I need to fix it. Any suggestions?

You need to try and pinpoint where the noise is coming from, I usually take the drum out and let the motor and blower wheel run by itself. If the noise is still present with the drum out, then its likely your motor.

You would need to bypass the door switch and have the dryer on no-heat if you do it this way.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

Ok, I will try this. I am assuming that by-passing the switch means that I can run it while the front, top and sides are all off to find out exactly where the noise is coming from. Or will I need to reassemble the unit without the drum and belt and then run it with the door open so I can depress the switch manually?

Thanks.

Ok, I took the dryer apart again and this time removed the drum and belt completely. I found even more lint there and vacuumed that out, then turned the start know to try and pinpoint the sound. It seemed to come from the direction of the motor, but I am not certain. I carefully inspected the motor and found more lint and dust on it, so I cleaned it more with an attachment to the Kirby. Next, I tried the start knob again and the dryer hummed like a charm. I put it all back together using care to get the belt and drum back in correctly. Then I turned the unit on again and it started making the same sound all over again! Dang. It seems to be intermittant now. Do you have any other suggestions? Thank you.