How to Remove the Top of an Electric Dryer

Although the matching washer may be energy efficient, the heating element in a dryer prevents it from being energy efficient.

Electric dryers, whether new or old, are front-loading appliances. Dryers have many internal components that allow the machine to efficiently dry your wet clothes. One common repair on an electric dryer is replacing a broken dryer belt. The belt connects to both the motor and the dryer tub and turns to rotate the belt. To access the inner components of the dryer, including the motor, dryer belt, thermistor and dryer tub, you must first remove the top panel of the dryer.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Putty knife

Instructions

Front Control Panel

1. Disconnect the power to the dryer.

2. Remove the two screws on the rear of the top panel.

3. Lift the top panel up and off of the dryer.

Top Control Panel

1. Disconnect the power to the dryer.

2. Remove the lint screen, as well as the screws on the front of the lint-trap opening if located on the top panel of the dryer.

3. Insert a putty knife under the top-left and top-right of the front panel and release release the two spring clips securing the top of the dryer to the front panel.

4. Lift the top panel of the dryer up and rotate it 180 degrees.

References

• Repair Clinic: Disassembly of a Whirlpool Duet Sport/Kenmore HE3 Dryer
• Repair Clinic: Dryer Drive Motor Replacement