Heater Assembly

Upon evaluation of the washer/dryer comb unit, noted in the dryer cycle not heating. Dryer section requires a number of panel to be removed (top, front above washer lid, back belt access panel & one interior control panel). Additionally, the dryer front door assembly, the main control assembly, dryer plastic vent assembly & main drum belt needs to be removed. Once these items are out, procedure to access the heater assembly requires the main drum to be removed. Caution: this will require an additional hand to maneuver drum out. Once drum is out, the heater assembly is accessible. Unplug all wiring, replace heater assembly. Recommend to also change back nylon main drum bearing. Reverse procedure to re-assemble. Dryer was restored back to operation.

We took off the front and top of the dryer unit, removed the drum and belt to access the element. The heater "pan" was screwed into the back wall of the dryer but the bearing had to be removed to remove the pan. That part was a little difficult but it came off (with some skin as well!). Once the bearing was removed we removed the old pan and installed the new and reset the bearing. The drum was difficult to align with the screw holes while upright so we laid it flat and secured it. We put the belt around the back of the drum while it was still flat and then secured it around the pulley once it was upright again. We replaced the panels in proper position and started the dryer with success. This

I bought a new heater element, but it was fine. The problem was an actual manufacturing defect- a loop of wire was allowed to rub against the rotating dryer drum. It eventually shorted out- lots of sparks. But, the real problem was taking it apart, and then getting it back together! I mended the shorted wire and then had a heck of a time getting the ball pivot on the end of the drum to drop into it's socket (a totally blind operation with little tactile feedback). And many other subtle problems. I mean, I'm pretty good at this kind of thing, but this machine was a challenge. This is a washer-dryer combination; no real access from the top.

The unit is a combo laundry center model with dryer on top. In order to reach the defective heating element, the unit must be partiallty disassembled. Remove the top, front door housing, and control panel in order to get to the drum which must also be removed. I would highly recommend having a helper and the project would have been much easier and faster. Be careful not to lose the small ball bearing on the rear of the dryer drum. I also used the "trusty fix all" duct tape to hold several pieces in place during re-assembly. I will definitely use this siteagain for my DIY repairs. The part was exactly as needed. It arrived quickly, and even with shipping was cheaper than local suppliers.