How to Fix a Dryer's Tumbler Fins

Disengage your dryer’s power cord from the wall outlet if it is an electric dryer. Unplug the gas dryer’s electrical cord. A gas dryer requires electricity to power the control panel. Turn off the dryer’s gas supply valve. Pull the dryer from the wall about 6 to 8 inches.

Pull the lint catcher from the top of the dryer near the control panel. Remove the two screws exposed when you remove the lint catcher.

Slide a sturdy putty knife into the horizontal seam along the top front of your dryer. Pull up on the putty knife to release the top panel from the dryer.

Open the top of the dryer and rotate it back to rest against the wall behind your dryer. This is the most common way to get into your dryer cabinet. See the link in the Resources section for additional dryer disassembly instructions.

Rotate the exposed dryer drum until the tumbler fin, or baffle, you need to fix is at the top of the dryer drum when looking inside the dryer. Remove the screws from the exterior of the drum to release the fin from the drum wall.

Insert a new fin or baffle into the dryer drum. Line the holes on the fin up with the holes in the drum. Secure the fin to the wall of the dryer drum with the screws you remove from the original fin. Replace the remaining fins inside the drum by repeating these steps.

Rotate the dryer top down onto the dryer body. Replace the two screws you removed from the lint catcher opening. Insert the lint catcher into the opening.

Turn the gas back on to a gas dryer. Plug both the gas and electrical dryers back into the wall outlet. Place the dryer in its original position.