Push in on the right clip and lift the right side slightly. Then do the same with the left side. Now you can lift the top of the dryer and lean it to the rear against the wall.
You will probably have to pull the dryer forward some to allow the control panel to clear. Make absolutely sure that this panel does not fall backwards. This will damage the control panel and wiring harness.
With the top leaning rearward, you will need to remove the two screws that secure the left and right sides of the dryer to the front. Depending on what model you have, you will either need a Phillips head screwdriver or 5/16 nut driver. Just down from the top on the left and right side facing forward are the two screws that secure the side walls of the dryer, to the front. Remove those two screws but continue to hold on to the front of the dryer.
Once the two screws have been removed, you can lean the front forward lifting up slightly on the dryer drum, to remove it from the front drum support attached to the front of the dryer. On most models of Whirlpool and Kenmore dryers, the front is secured to the base of the dryer at the bottom by clips facing upwards. All you need to do is slightly lift up the dryer front to disengage the clips. On some models the front is secured by two screws that face upwards. You will want to remove these two screws in advance before leaning the top rearward.
Now that you have the front loose, be careful not to damage the wires attached to the door switch. You should have sufficient movement in the wiring harness to allow you to lean the dryer front to the side without disconnecting the wires to the door switch. Make sure the front is secure and will not fall because next you need to disengage the dryer belt from the motor.
Take a flashlight and look to the right hand side of the dryer drum all the way to the rear. Take notice of how the belt is routed around the drum and through the idler pulley onto the motor pulley. Using your right hand, lift up on the idler pulley to relieve tension from the belt. Use your left hand to lift the belt off of the motor pulley.
Now you can use the belt to support the drum as you lift it out of position to gain access to the squeaky rollers or rear seal. With your right hand pull up on the dryer belt, and with your left hand grab the front of the drum and lift slightly with the belt that is in your right hand. Now you can guide the drum forward out of the dryer cabinet and set it off to the side. |
