How to Dissemble a Maytag Dryer

Why Disassemble?

• Your Maytag dryer has a sturdy steel cabinet that houses the drum, burner or heating element, motor and all other serviceable components. To replace any of these internal parts, the dryer must first be taken apart. Once the dryer has been torn down, the parts will be accessible for servicing or replacement.

Preparations

• One of the first steps in the disassembly process is unplugging the power cord. Both Maytag electric and gas dryers have power cords. An electric dryer has a large power cord, while a gas dryer has a smaller one. You may have to slide the dryer away from the wall before you begin, which may require removal of the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer.

Front Panel

• To replace certain components in your Maytag dryer, you may only need to remove the front panel of the machine. You'll be able to access the heating element, thermostat and thermal fuses. In order to remove the front panel, you must remove the door by opening the door and removing the four retaining screws. Once the door is lifted up and removed from the dryer, the front panel can be disengaged from the side clips and the hooks at the bottom of the panel.

Top Panel

• To perform any repairs to the drum, the top panel of the dryer must be rotated upwards. First remove the door and front panel. Two retaining clips are visible on each side of the front of the dryer after the front panel is removed. Once these clips are removed, the top panel can be lifted up and rotated back to open up the top of the dryer.

Drum Support

• The drum support is the metal piece that holds up the front of the drum and is accessible after the front panel is removed. Four bolts hold the drum support in place. Once the bolts are removed, the support can be removed from the front of the dryer. At this point, the drum can be removed once the belt tensioner has been loosened. Every other serviceable part can be accessed in the dryer chassis once the drum has been removed.