Tiny Cracks In A Dryer Knob Could Be A Much Bigger Problem Than You'd Think

If you are experiencing problems like a clothes dryer that's taking too long to dry the laundry, several different issues could be the root cause. Failing to clean out the dryer lint trap is one of the most common causes of this issue. However, one tiny, inconspicuous flaw that could cause major problems involves cracks in the dryer knob. These cracks, no matter how tiny, can cause the knob to slip as you turn it, preventing you from advancing the dryer timer. Such cracks usually emerge when someone bumps into the knob with a heavy object — like an overloaded laundry basket or a large jug of detergent. 

When you have cracks in the knob, or in the D-shaped shaft it connects to, the knob may feel like it's spinning. It won't make the usual clicking noise or feel like it is giving you the resistance required to change the appliance's settings. That's because the slits leave the dryer knob unable to grip the shaft's splines to rotate it.

Being unable to adjust the dryer's timer because of a defective knob or shaft can lead to bigger problems than laundry taking too long to dry. Allowing your dryer to run longer than it needs to can cause the unit to overheat, creating a fire hazard if you don't catch the problem in time. Learn what you can do to fix a cracked knob or shaft in your dryer.

If you suspect that there may be a crack at the back of the dryer knob, you should remove and inspect the part. Popping it loose from the D-shaped shaft should be as easy as pulling it straight out of the appliance. If it doesn't come loose easily, it may have a small clip holding it in place, meaning you would need needle-nose pliers or a flat-head screwdriver to pull out the clip from behind the knob. 

Once the knob is off, examine the stem at the back where it connects to the shaft. If you see crevices in the plastic stem, the knob won't be able to grip the shaft tightly enough to turn it. Although you could use a zip-tie or epoxy glue to try to repair the stem, a more permanent fix is buying a compatible replacement dryer knob for your appliance.

If the stem looks intact, you could have a cracked or stripped shaft coming out of the dryer's control panel. The D-shaped shaft may become worn out, leaving the knob unable to catch and turn the shaft. If this is the case, you may need to replace the dryer timer mechanism. This process usually involves pulling out the control panel, which you can access by taking off the appliance's back panel. The timer mechanism is likely mounted with screws, which you'll have to loosen to replace the part. If you don't feel comfortable with these steps, it may be best to call a professional.