Home Garden

How to Get to Belt on a Kenmore 400 Series Gas Dryer

Kenmore 400 series gas dryers are residential appliances manufactured by Whirlpool Corp. The dryers use a belt and motor assembly to rotate the drum during operation. If the belt breaks or slips out of the belt track, the drum will no longer rotate properly. Troubleshooting or replacing the belt will have your dryer drum turning again in no time. Accessing the belt in a Kenmore 400 series gas dryer requires partial disassembly of the dryer cabinet.

Things You'll Need

  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Phillips-head screwdriver
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Unplug the dryer prior to disassembly to avoid electrical injury. Close the gas valve to shut off the gas supply to the appliance.

    • 2

      Slip the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the space between the top and front dryer panels. Locate the retaining clips 4 inches in from each side of the panel; press the clips with the screwdriver to release the top panel. Raise the top panel to the vertical position, and tip it back to rest against the wall.

    • 3

      Run the flat-head screwdriver along the top of the bottom toe panel to locate the two retaining clips similar to the ones used to secure the top panel. Apply pressure to the clips with the tip of the screwdriver to free the toe panel. Set the remove panel aside with the finished side facing up to avoid scratching or scuffing the enamel.

    • 4

      Loosen the two Phillips-head screws at the bottom of the front panel; it is not necessary to completely remove the bottom front panel screws. Remove the two Phillips-head screws at the top of the front panel.

    • 5

      Grab the top of the front panel, and pull it toward you to gain access to the dryer belt. Troubleshoot or replace the belt, if necessary.