Sears HE3 dryer thumping noise

[joat]

My 2 1/2 year old Kenmore HE3 dryer makes a pretty constant thumping noise (about 2-3 times a second), even when it's not running. The noise is not very loud, but you can hear it from about 30 feet away when the house is quiet. It always made a ticking sound when it wasn't running, but this thumping noise is about 2 months old. Do you have any information on how to repair this ourselves. If this needs a repairman, should we call Sears or an independent.

Other than this problem, the dryer has been pretty good, no repairs needed. It doesn't dry the clothes thoroughly, I always have to add a few minutes with the "timed dry" setting.

 

[KevinA]

A constant thumping noise when the unit is not running? Does it ever phase out, or does it have an electrical clicking or other thump all the time? Does your vent have a cap on the end that could be making such a noise?

In regards to the adding extra time to dry, make sure the clothes are loose, the vent has no restrictions/blockages.

 

[joat]

A constant thumping noise when the unit is not running? Does it ever phase out, or does it have an electrical clicking or other thump all the time? Does your vent have a cap on the end that could be making such a noise?

In regards to the adding extra time to dry, make sure the clothes are loose, the vent has no restrictions/blockages.

Because of your response, we unplugged the dryer and the noise is still there. It must be something mechanical involving the gas line or the vent. The end of the vent is in a difficult place to access, but we'll try to check it.

It doesn't phase out, and no electrical noises. It sounds like it's coming from under or inside the dryer.

Thanks.

 

[jpowell6012]

maybe you have a small animal that crawled into the vent....lol just kidding

Because of your response, we unplugged the dryer and the noise is still there. It must be something mechanical involving the gas line or the vent. The end of the vent is in a difficult place to access, but we'll try to check it.

It doesn't phase out, and no electrical noises. It sounds like it's coming from under or inside the dryer.

Thanks.

 

[joat]

Getting closer to an answer.

Yesterday while doing something totally unrelated to the Kenmore he3 thumping noise. I opened the door that leads from our laundry room to our garage. The thumping stopped instantly. When I closed the door the thumping resumed. Apparently the dryer vent is the path of least resistance to the outside. Now all I need is instructions on how to get at the internal venting system of the HE3. If any body has that info please forward it to me. Thank you so much.
JOAT

 

[joat]

Solution found.

The external exaust flap had a small amount of lint built up behind it so as to act as a return spring. When the pressure in the house changed it cuased the exaust flap to vibrate. Removed lint and everything is stale now.

 

[aaastan]

This is an example of a bizarre problem that can drive service techs crazy.

Several months ago I had a warranty call for "Burning Odor" in an oven.

This turned out to be a *cooked* mouse on the burner baffle in a gas oven.

John