Dryer Drum Seal Replacement Cost
Black or grey scuff marks on clothes, small items disappearing behind the drum, fraying or snagging at the drum edges, or a scraping sound as the drum turns. The felt seals at the drum’s front and rear edges wear through and let the drum rub metal-to-metal.
National averages for independent repair companies. Service-call/diagnostic fees ($75–$150) are usually applied toward the repair. Costs vary by brand, model, and city.
What causes it — and what each fix costs
Worn felt seal
Normal wear at 8–15 years. Clothes with scorch-edged black marks are the classic tell — the fabric is getting pinched into the gap.
Seal destroyed by a failed roller/bearing
When drum support fails, the sagging drum chews its seals. Fix the support parts and seals together.
Repair or replace?
Repair — cheap part, moderate labor. Don’t keep running it; escaped items land on the heat source, and that’s a fire path.
Sources
Where the safety, regulatory and warranty claims on this page come from. Repair costs are our own figures based on Arizona market rates and OEM parts pricing.
- Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines National Fire Protection Association Dryer fire incidence, and failure to clean as the leading contributing factor.
We'll quote you on hauling it away — or buying it.
Not every dryer is worth repairing, and we'd rather tell you that than sell you a repair. If you're replacing it, we'll give you a free quote either way: scrap pickup for a machine that's finished, or a cash offer if it still has life in it. Working units, recent models and premium brands are often worth real money.
Common questions
Why do socks disappear in my dryer?
A worn front or rear drum seal opens a gap into the cabinet. They’re probably lying on the floor of the machine — a tech will find a small graveyard when the drum comes out.
Find a dryer repair pro near you.
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