How to Change Maytag Heating element

[SteveJ]

I need to change out the heating element on my mother's dryer.  I ordered a replacement element and thermostat (LA-1044).  Now I just need to figure out how to get to it to change it.  Any help would be appreciated.

Model LNC7764A71


LA-1044 Dryer Heating Element Kit, AP4242494

[JWWebster]

what you need to do is pop the top
this element is located on top in the rear and is a snap to repair.
the top is held down by springclips
Unplug the dryer before attemptig any repairs.
you need to clean the dryer up also especially
around the area where the blower wheel is.
This means removing the front panel and inspecting the blower.
The element itself is held by one screw. the high limit needs to be moved out of the way and the element lifts right out.

[Repair-man]

Heating elements and thermal fuses do not simply blow on their own. Your element failed due to excessive heat buildup within the dryer. The Maytag dryer cannot be vented with foil or plastic vent duct! (Read the sticker on back). If yours has this, replace it with the proper type recommended by Maytag, which is flexible metal or semi-rigid metal venting. Be sure your vent is clear all the way outside, or you will soon have another failure.

Once you replace the heater, it is a good idea to check the operating temperatures on the dryer to make sure that another part, the operating thermostat, is not defective. To do this, place a temperature probe or thermometer at the outlet where the air exhausts and look for temperatures not exceeding 155 during the drying cycles.

[SteveJ]

Thanks for the quick responses.  I had planned to clean everything and check out what is going on inside while in there.  Is there a trick for releasing the springclips, and more importantly getting them back on again when I try to put it back together?  Thanks for the help!

[Repair-man]

The spring clips don't come off unless you take them off. They are snapped into the front panel and lock the top down when the top is pressed shut. To easily open them, I often use an old AOL CD and stick it in the front crack about 2" from either side to release the clips. A putty knife works as well.

[JWWebster]

after doing extensive research I have found yet another useful way to utilize my AOL cds I get in the mail.