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Quick answer
For the LG DLEX3370W, first separate a load or cabinet movement noise from an internal scraping noise. LG says uneven loads can make temporary noise as the drum presses on the rubber rollers, and a brief squeak when the drum starts or reverses can come from belt friction. Empty pockets, secure zippers, check that the dryer is level with all four feet firmly on the floor, and note whether the sound happens only with a shifting load or also with an empty drum. If the creak or sharp metallic scrape continues with an empty drum, worsens, or comes with heat, burning odor, smoke, rubbing, or a loose cabinet, stop using the dryer and arrange LG service rather than opening the cabinet or guessing at a roller, belt, shaft, or motor.
Work through in order
Diagnostic checks
Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.
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Check 1
With the dryer off and unplugged from a dry, safe outlet, record when the creak occurs: when pressing lightly on each top corner, when the drum is started, only as the drum reverses, only after clothes shift, or even with the drum empty. Do not press hard enough to deform the top and do not run the dryer with panels removed.
Expected result: The cabinet creaks when it rocks or is lightly loaded, the sound is brief at startup/reversal, the sound appears only as a load shifts, or a sharp scrape continues with an empty drum.
Next step: Continue with the external floor, load and contact checks below only for the first three patterns. If an empty-drum scrape persists, stop using the dryer and arrange LG service.
Stop if: Stop immediately for smoke, burning odor, abnormal heat, exposed wiring, rubbing that can damage the drum, or a sharp metallic scrape that continues through the cycle.
Why this matters
Why: A cabinet/floor trigger or load-dependent sound is different from a persistent empty-drum scrape. LG documents temporary load/roller noise and brief belt-friction squeak, while continuous sharp metallic scraping warrants internal inspection.
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Check 2
Check the installation from outside: place a level across the top, gently rock the dryer diagonally and at the top corners, and confirm that all four feet remain solidly on the floor. If the dryer must be moved or a foot adjusted, disconnect power first and use help for the heavy appliance; adjust only the accessible leveling feet as needed.
Expected result: The dryer rocks, one foot has a gap, the floor is uneven or soft, or the cabinet is stable with all four feet firmly planted.
Next step: Correct only the visible leveling condition, then observe one normal cycle with a small, balanced load. If the dryer is stable but the creak remains, do not compensate by overextending the feet or opening the cabinet; use the service branch.
Why this matters
Why: LG says a solid, level floor and four firmly contacting feet reduce vibration, noise and unwanted movement. A stable installation makes a cabinet or floor cause less likely, but it does not prove an internal part is defective.
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Check 3
For one controlled observation, use a small, evenly distributed load. Empty every pocket, fasten zippers and buttons, and turn zippered items inside out before starting. Note whether the sound appears only when the load bunches or becomes unbalanced.
Expected result: The sound diminishes when pockets are empty, closures are secured and the load is spread evenly, or it remains with the same sharp creak despite a balanced load.
Next step: If the noise is only load-dependent and non-metallic, keep loads balanced and monitor. If it persists, becomes a sharp scrape, or occurs with an empty drum, stop using the dryer and request model-matched service.
Why this matters
Why: LG says coins, keys and zippers can hit the drum, and an uneven load can make temporary noise as the drum presses on rubber rollers. Persistence with a balanced load means the load is not a sufficient explanation; it still does not identify a particular internal component.
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Check 4
Listen for a brief squeak only at drum startup or reversal versus a squeal, screech or metallic scrape that continues through the cycle. Keep the door closed during normal observation and do not remove the top, front, belt guard or other panels.
Expected result: The sound is a short startup/reversal squeak with no rubbing, smoke, odor or performance change, or it is continuous/sharp, worsening, or accompanied by visible rubbing or heat.
Next step: A brief, isolated squeak can be monitored after the external checks. A continuous or worsening scrape requires the dryer to remain off and a qualified LG technician to inspect it; do not lubricate or replace a part by sound alone.
Stop if: Do not continue testing when the sound is metallic and continuous, the drum rubs, the cabinet becomes unusually hot, or there is a burning smell or smoke.
Why this matters
Why: LG describes brief belt friction at startup or reversal as a sound that may occur before the belt and drum stabilize. LG separately says a continuing sharp metallic scraping sound may indicate worn or damaged internal parts and needs inspection.
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Check 5
Prepare the service request with the exact model DLEX3370W, whether the unit is electric or gas-configured, the load size, the exact trigger, a short recording made from a safe closed-door observation, any visible rocking or contact marks, and whether the sound remains with an empty drum. Do not request or attempt a component replacement based only on the noise.
Expected result: The noise remains after the level, load and external contact checks, or diagnosis would require opening the cabinet or testing electrical/mechanical parts.
Next step: Keep the dryer off and contact LG support or qualified appliance service for a model-matched inspection. Tell the technician that the original symptom is load-related creaking and top-pressure creaking, not a confirmed bearing, belt, roller or motor failure.
Why this matters
Why: The manufacturer guidance uses continued sharp scraping as the boundary for internal inspection, but neither the Reddit post nor the general LG articles establish which component is worn on this model.
Use your observations
Decision map
Find the observation that best matches what you see, then follow the next safe action.
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PATH 01Next step
What you see
The dryer rocks, a leveling foot is not firmly planted, or the creak changes when the cabinet is stabilized; the sound is not a continuous metallic scrape.
Do this next
With power disconnected and adequate help for the appliance, correct only the accessible leveling condition and observe one small balanced load. Stop if the noise persists sharply or any safety symptom appears.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: The floor or cabinet installation can be contributing to vibration and load movement, consistent with LG's leveling guidance, but this does not prove an internal part fault.
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PATH 02Next step
What you see
The sound appears only as clothing shifts or at drum startup/reversal, then fades when the load is balanced and no pockets or loose closures are present.
Do this next
Use balanced loads, empty pockets and secured zippers, and monitor. Arrange service if the sound becomes continuous, sharp, louder, or present with an empty drum.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: This pattern is compatible with LG's documented temporary load/roller noise or brief belt-friction squeak; it is not enough to call a bearing, belt or roller defective.
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PATH 03Next step
What you see
A sharp metallic scrape continues through the cycle or occurs with an empty drum, or the dryer shows rubbing, smoke, burning odor, abnormal heat, exposed wiring or cabinet damage.
Do this next
Stop the dryer, disconnect power only from a dry and safe location, keep the cabinet closed, and arrange LG or qualified appliance service. Do not lubricate, bypass, probe, or electrically test internal parts.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: LG treats continuing sharp scraping as a possible worn or damaged internal part; the added heat, odor, smoke or wiring signs make continued operation unsafe.
Helpful context
Understand the symptom
What the original symptom does and does not establish
The original report is specific about the DLEX3370W and the trigger: pressing down on the top produces a creak, while a running load creaks when clothing shifts out of balance. That pattern can involve the cabinet, floor, load or drum support, but it does not identify a failed bearing, roller, belt or motor. The report has no verified repair result, so component replacement should not be chosen from the sound alone.
Use the sound pattern to choose the next safe check
LG distinguishes noises caused by items striking the drum, temporary noise from an uneven load pressing on the rollers, normal short belt friction at startup or reversal, and a sharp metallic scrape that continues through the cycle. The useful first decision is therefore when and under what load the sound occurs, not which internal part might be responsible.
Why leveling belongs before internal diagnosis
The DLEX3370W product information lists four adjustable legs. LG says the dryer should sit on a solid, level surface with all four feet firmly contacting the floor; an unstable cabinet can add vibration and unwanted movement. Check and correct only the accessible installation condition. Moving a heavy dryer, opening panels, lubricating parts or testing wiring belongs to qualified service.
When checks do not resolve it
Need a professional?
Request LG or qualified appliance service when the creak remains with an empty or balanced drum, becomes a sharp metallic scrape, gets louder, or is accompanied by rubbing, abnormal heat, smoke, a burning odor, exposed wiring or cabinet damage. Do not diagnose a specific component from the sound alone.
Common questions
FAQ
Does a creak when the LG DLEX3370W top is pressed prove that a drum bearing is bad?
No. The original report records a top-pressure creak and a load-shift creak, but neither the post nor LG's general noise guidance proves a bearing failure. Check the external leveling, rocking and load pattern first; persistent or metallic noise needs service inspection.
Can an unbalanced dryer load make a creaking noise?
It can contribute to temporary noise. LG says an uneven load can make the drum press on rubber rollers. Empty pockets, secure zippers and distribute a small test load evenly; if the same sharp noise remains with an empty drum, stop and arrange service.
Should I lubricate the rollers or replace a belt to stop the sound?
Do not choose a part or open the cabinet from the sound alone. LG says a brief startup/reversal squeak may be belt friction, while a continuing sharp metallic scrape may need internal inspection. Give the technician the exact DLEX3370W model and the sound pattern.
Read the exact guide
Official sources
- LG DLEX3370W.ABWEEUS: Support, Manuals, Warranty & MoreLG Electronics USA · Opened exact LG USA support page for the DLEX3370W variant. It identifies the product and provides the model-matched manual/support/service route. Its linked product support does not diagnose the creak or authorize internal repair.
- 7.4 cu. ft. Ultra Large Capacity SteamDryer™ w/ NFC Tag On - DLEX3370WLG Electronics Canada · Opened LG Canada product page for DLEX3370W. It confirms the exact model and lists four adjustable legs; it does not establish a cause for the reported creak.
- LG DLEX3370W dryer creaking sound - DIY fix?Reddit r/appliancerepair · Opened the exact Reddit post. It supports the DLEX3370W identity, top-pressure creak, load-shift creak and lack of a verified repair outcome; it is not used as technical authority.
- [LG Dryer] Noise From the DryerLG Electronics USA · Opened LG dryer noise guidance. It supports external pocket/load checks and the distinction between temporary noise and continuous sharp metallic scraping; it does not identify which internal component is defective on DLEX3370W.
- LG Dryer - How to Reduce Dryer NoiseLG Electronics USA · Opened LG noise-reduction guidance. It supports securing zippers/buttons and spreading heavy items for load-related noise; it does not authorize internal disassembly or identify a failed part.
- Dryer - LevelingLG Electronics USA · Opened LG dryer leveling guidance. It supports checking a solid, level floor, all four feet and cabinet rocking before service; it does not establish an internal fault.
- [LG dryer - sound] [Electric heat pump] When it starts operation, a noise is heard while drum rotation is being reversedLG Electronics USA · Opened LG guidance marked for electric heat-pump dryers and all-model general applicability. It supports only the limited interpretation that a brief startup/reversal squeak can be normal; it is not transferred as a model-specific diagnosis for DLEX3370W.
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