This is commonly caused by the drum's welded seam passing over the support rollers on each rotation. A similar sound may also occur on other brands. Does the noise ease-up when it gets heated after running a few mins (the rollers soften a bit from the heat which muffles the bump noise)?

I can remember this happening in the 70's with a Kenmore dryer brand new so it's not just something from today's machines.

No the noise has not eased up. I am not about to put up with this from a brand new dryer. You aren't telling me this is normal right? This noise never happened in any of my other dryers....especially when they were brand new.

All Kenmore and Whirlpool dryers I have ever used do this. Yes, including my new Duet dryer. I have sanded the seams on the drum down and it makes a big difference. Try it with some sand paper.

*IF* the drum seam is the source of the noise ... which I can't say for sure without examination or hearing a recording of it ... then yes it's "normal" per the odds. The fixes are have the dealer exchange it for 1a) another of the same model or 1b) a different brand; 2) replace the drum; or 3) smooth the seam via sanding per DoreyCrouse's advice above. Choices 1a and 2 depend on whether a different drum will have a smoother seam, 1a and 1b depend on whether the dealer will do that.

Dryers sitting unused for a period of time (whether a new machine from warehousing or one that just hasn't been used for a while) may also produce a bumping noise for a short time due to the rubber drum support rollers developing a slight flat-spot from the weight of the drum and tension of the belt pulling on it.

I agree with Roc...buy a new appliance than have to fix it yourself..NOT.. send it back Jody.

The repairman is coming out tomorrow. I will see what he says. Thanks everyone, I will let you know what the verdict is. Very discouraging when something like this happens. Then you have to deal with repairmen and their 4 hour window arrival time.

The drum is bent. The drum seam is hitting the rollers. He told me to call Whirlpool and demand a new dryer. I did that but won't hear back until Monday when the repairman's notes go in. He said he could order a new drum, but said I should insist on a new machine...which I STRONGLY did. I actually felt bad for the service rep on the phone because I was furious. This has been a total waste of my valuable time. Taking off work early for the delivery and now the repairman's visit. I just hope I don't have to do it again for what comes next.

Why can't you return it where you bought it from? I'd call the salesperson and demand they replace the dryer as it's defective.

The replacement has to come from Whirlpool. I tried calling Home Depot and the first thing they did was call Whirlpool. It was delivered and installed by Home Depot. If I don't get a satisfactory answer on Monday, then Home Depot will be told to come and get it and give me a refund.

Wow, they give you 48 hours to let them know if it's defective? I know where I WON'T be buying any appliances!

If you paid by credit card, threaten to dispute the charge.

Well, after 1 1/2 hours on the phone over a 2 day period, I am finally getting a new dryer delivered this Friday. Whirlpool didn't want to give me a new one, but Home Depot said yes. Thank God. The repairman said that even replacing the drum and the rollers wouldn't be a permenant fix, only a temporary one. That is why I fought so hard to get rid of this one.

My blood pressure went up but God willing, it is finally resolved. Ya'll keep a good thought for me that the next dryer is perfect.

That's great news Jody! By the way, what model do you have?

WED4616FW0, it's just a regular dryer.

It's very highly rated, so hopefully you just got a lemon and the replacement will be perfect.

I got my new dryer today and all seems well. I did immediately fill out a 3 year extended warranty application and mailed it off. I am not taking any chances. LOL

Good news Jody. Do you have laundry to catch up on now. lol

No, I had been using the old one while waiting on this one. The repairman didn't say not to.

I was at walmart yesterday and was going to check out that Purex with Clorox 2, but the place was so packed with Easter shoppers, I forgot all about it and just wanted to get out of there. Maybe next time.

Kudos to Home Depot on this one. You know, big box stores don't get a lot of love here on GW (not even from me) but I continue to have excellent treatment at my local HD. So glad you got this resolved.

I was really surprised at how uncooperative Whirlpool was. The woman I had to deal with kept saying over and over "whirlpool warranty is a repair warranty not a replacement warranty." I finally just hung up on her.