How to Disassemble a Whirlpool Dryer

The typical homeowner should have little difficulty taking apart a Whirlpool dryer. Many repairs made to a dryer will require the cabinet to be disassembled to some degree. Whirlpool dryer have two basic cabinet types that require different approaches to gain access to the inside components of the dryer.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Torx wrench

Instructions

Standard Whirlpool Cabinet

1. Unplug the Whirlpool dryer. Pull the dryer about two feet away from the wall to allow room to work.

2. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws that attach the front of the control panel to the top of the dryer. Grasp the ends of the control panel with your hands and unlock it from the top panel. Flip the control console back towards the wall and let it rest in the service position.

3. Remove the three screws at the back of the top panel using a screwdriver. Slide the top panel to release the retaining clips. Lift up the top panel and remove it from the dryer.

4. Disconnect the door switch wiring harness located on the inside front corner. Use your finger to release the locking clip on the wiring harness.

5. Use a putty knife inserted between the front panel and toe panel to release the toe panel clips. The clips are four inches from each side. Pull the toe panel away from the dryer.

6. Grab the door spring with your hand and pull down to unhook the spring from the base of the dryer. There are two door springs, one on each side of the dryer.

7. Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen. Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws that secure the lint duct.

8. Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws that secure the front panel to the dryer cabinet. There is one screw at each corner of the front panel.

Whirlpool Space Saver Type Cabinet

1. Pull the Whirlpool space saver dryer away from the wall. Locate the two top cover screws at the rear of the Whirlpool dryer. Remove the two top cover screws using a screwdriver. Lift the back of the top cover to unhook it from the front and pull the top cover off of the Whirlpool dryer.

2. Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws that secure the lower right rear access panel. Be sure to remove the four outer screws and not the two inner screws.

3. Remove the screw that secures the air intake cover on the lower left rear corner of the dryer. Reach inside the air intake opening and disconnect the wiring harness. Pull the heating element access panel away from the dryer.

4. Using a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the cross braces to the top of the side panels. Lay the space saver dryer on its front being careful not to scratch the finish.

5. Use a screwdriver to remove the four screws from the drum shaft support flange. The flange is at the center of the rear panel. Pull the support flange away from the dryer. Use a Torx wrench to remove the Torx screws securing the rear panel to the sides of a Whirlpool dryer.

Tips & Warnings

• Always disconnect power to appliances before attempting any repairs to them.

References

• Whirlpool Standard Cabinet
• Whirlpool 24-Inch Space Saver