How to Replace the Blower Fan in a Kenmore Clothes Dryer

A Kenmore dryer.

Knowing how to replace a blower fan on a Kenmore dryer can save you money on your repair bill. The average do-it-yourself homeowner can accomplish this repair. The process includes removing the front panel of the cabinet from the dryer to gain access to the motor and blower fan. Be sure that the dryer is disconnected from the wall outlet before serving the dryer. The blower fan can be replaced in just a couple of hours.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Screwdriver
• 14mm nut driver

Instructions

1. Disengage the retaining clips that hold the top panel to the front by inserting a putty knife between them in the front. Press in to disengage the clips and lift up on the top panel. Lift the top panel to release the other front clip.

2. Remove the two screws that attach the front panel to the sides. Lift the top panel up so the screws can be removed with a screwdriver. When the screws are out, tilt the top of the front panel out and lower the top panel back down. Lift up on the front panel to disengage it from the bottom clips.

3. Disconnect the door switch wiring located between the front panel and the washer by the door. Press in on the tabs and pull the wiring harness off. Set the front panel out of the way.

4. Remove the tension on the dryer belt by reaching in between the drum and side panel and pushing the idler arm in. Remove the belt from the idler arm pulley and drum.

5. With one hand lifting up on the drum, pull the drum out of the dryer through the front.

6. Remove the blower intake from the housing by loosening the two screws with a screwdriver.

7. Remove the single screw with a screwdriver at the bottom blower housing. The thermistor is behind the housing which has a screw under it that must also be removed.

8. Remove the blower motor bracket by removing the two screws that attach it to the dryer base.

9. Disconnect the wiring harness to the motor and the two wires that connect to the belt switch. Slide the motor blower forward and lift up to remove it.

10. Remove the nut holding the blower wheel to the shaft using a 14mm nut driver. The nut is a left-hand thread, so rotate it clockwise.

11. Set the new blower wheel on the shaft and reattach the holding nut.

12. Position the blower assembly over the holding tabs and press in. Slide the unit back into place.

13. Reconnect the two belt switch wires and the wiring harness to the motor.

14. Reattach the blower motor bracket to the dryer base with the attaching screws.

15. Replace the attaching screw under the thermistor and the single attaching screw at the front.

16. Reattach the intake panel over the housing with two screws.

17. Place the belt around the drum and position the drum back into the boot in the rear of the dryer. Reattach the belt by doubling it and slipping it through the idler pulley.

18. Reattach the front panel by positioning the bottom over the tabs. Swing the top of the front panel back in and attach it to the sides using the attaching screws.

19. Line the top panel into position and snap it back into the retaining clips.

20. Plug the dryer back into the wall outlet and position it where it belongs. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker

Tips & Warnings

• Always disconnect the power supply before working on electrical appliances.

References

• Blower Wheel
• Blower Wheel Replacement

Resources

• Kenmore Duet