How to Remove a Kenmore Gas Dryer Blower Assembly

Unplug the power cord and switch the circuit breaker that corresponds to the dryer to the "Off" position to avoid electrical injury. Rotate the gas supply valve to the "Off/Closed" position to disrupt the gas flow to the appliance.

Open the door and remove the lint screen from the housing below the dryer opening. Close the dryer door. It is not necessary to remove the lint screen from Kenmore models that position the lint trap in alternate locations.

Take out the two hex-head screws from the bottom edge of the toe panel and pull the panel off the front of the machine. Note that in some Kenmore dryer models the toe panel is held to the dryer cabinet with two metal clips located approximately 4 inches in from each side. Press the clips with a flat-head screwdriver or putty knife to release them. Set the removed toe panel out of the way.

Remove the hex-head screws from the lint duct and lint duct bracket in Kenmore models that position the lint screen and lint screen housing below the dryer opening. It is only necessary to remove the lint duct in models where it blocks access to the blower assembly.

Use the hex-head screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the blower housing cover. Remove the blower housing cover and set it aside.

Reach around the blower housing to access the motor. Place a 7/8-inch open-end wrench on the motor shaft. Turn the blower wheel to the left until the wrench locks against the motor bracket.

Attach a socket wrench with a 1/2-inch drive to the hub in the center of the blower wheel. Rotate the blower wheel to the left to remove it from the motor shaft.

Remove the three hex-head screws from the blower housing. Tip the blower housing forward and detach the thermal fuse, operating thermostat and bias heater wires from the back. Pull the blower housing from the dryer cabinet.