LG or Kenmore Dryer Duct Assembly Replacement Guide

Kris EscuetaFebruary 27, 20250

The duct assembly in your LG or Kenmore dryer directs hot air from the gas burner outlet into the drum, enabling effective drying. Over time, the outlet grill on the duct assembly may corrode or sustain damage, potentially snagging or tearing clothing during the drying cycle.

Replacing the duct assembly is straightforward and can be done at home with the right tools and precautions.

Tools You’ll Need

Phillips screwdriver
Flat-blade screwdriver
Pliers
Replacement duct assembly (compatible with your dryer model)

Safety Precautions

Safety is essential when repairing appliances. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your equipment:

Unplug the appliance or turn off the circuit breaker to eliminate the risk of electrical shock.
Turn off the gas supply valve to prevent leaks during the repair.
If the dryer was recently used, let it cool completely before starting the repair.
Work in a well-lit, uncluttered area. Keep children and pets away from the work zone.
Consult the dryer’s manual for model-specific instructions or safety notes related to the replacement part.
Use gentle force when removing or installing components to avoid damage or injury.
Insulated gloves: Prevent cuts from sharp edges and protect against electrical hazards.
Safety glasses and/or a dust mask: Minimize irritation or injury from debris or dust.
Avoid direct contact with exposed wires or terminals. Use non-conductive tools or insulating gloves if necessary.

How to Replace the Duct Assembly in Your Dryer

Preparation

Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power outlet. For gas dryers, turn off the gas supply.

Remove the Top Panel

Remove the three screws along the back top edge of the dryer using a Phillips screwdriver.
Slide the top panel back about an inch and lift evenly to remove it. Set it aside.

Remove the Steam Drawer and Container

Pull out the steam drawer located in the top left of the dryer opening.
Remove the steam feeder container and set it aside.

Detach the Control Panel

Underneath the steam drawer opening, remove two Phillips head screws.
Disconnect the two wiring harness plugs by depressing their release tabs.
Detach the two wires from the retainers and disconnect the last wiring plug at the bottom right of the control panel.
Remove the single screw at the lower right corner of the control panel.
Lift and tilt the panel forward to disconnect the wiring harness. Set the control panel aside.

Remove the Front Panel

With the dryer door closed, remove the two screws from the bottom left and right corners.
Open the dryer door and remove three screws from the front edge.
Tilt the front panel forward, release the bottom hinges, disconnect the door switch plug, and set the panel aside.

Detach the Front Bracket and Wiring

Detach the two plastic wire holders on the back of the front panel bracket using pliers.
Remove three top screws and two lower screws from the bracket.
Lift the bracket and disconnect the interior light wiring. Remove the bracket.

Disconnect the Bulkhead

Locate the round duct opening leading to the blower.
Remove four screws from the bulkhead above the opening.
Disconnect the electrical plug for the moisture sensor wiring below the duct opening.
Lift and slide out the bulkhead from the hinges. Set it aside.

Remove the Drum and Belt

Reach into the dryer cabinet and push down on the idler pulley to release tension on the belt.
Maneuver the belt off the drive motor pulley and remove it.
Lift the front drum edge and slide the drum out through the front opening.

Detach the Rear Bulkhead

Lay the dryer on its back to access the rear panel.
Remove screws from the perimeter of the rear bulkhead and lift off the rear bulkhead cover plate.

Disconnect the Dryer Vent Hose

Use pliers to loosen the clamp on the flexible metal vent hose connected to the blower housing.
Detach the vent hose from its fitting.

Remove the Front Bulkhead

Release the locking tab on the top of the front bulkhead.
Push the bulkhead from the rear to pop it loose and wiggle it out.

Replace the Duct Assembly

On a work table, remove the four screws securing the old duct assembly.
Lift off the old duct, discard it, and keep the screws.
Align the new duct assembly into position and secure it with the four screws.

Reassemble the Dryer

Snap the front bulkhead back into place.
Reconnect the vent hose to the blower housing and secure it with the clamp.
Reattach the rear bulkhead cover plate with screws.
Carefully slide the drum back into the cabinet with the belt positioned correctly around it.
Route the belt around the drive motor pulley and push down on the idler pulley to create slack for proper belt placement.
Align the bulkhead with the hinges and reconnect the moisture sensor wiring plug.
Reinstall the front bracket by connecting the interior light wiring and securing it with screws.
Reinstall the front panel by reconnecting the door switch plug, aligning the bottom hinges, and securing the screws.
Reattach the control panel by reconnecting the wiring harness and securing it with screws.
Route the wires through the retainers and reconnect the two wiring harness plugs to the control board.
Slide the steam feeder container back into the steam drawer and insert the drawer into place.
Reinstall the top panel by sliding it back into place and securing it with the three screws along the back top edge.

Final Steps

Plug the dryer back into the power outlet and turn it on. For gas dryers, turn the gas supply back on.
Test the dryer to confirm it is functioning correctly and venting hot air.

To wrap things up, replacing your dryer’s duct is simpler than you might think and definitely worth it. You’ll avoid those annoying snags and tears in your clothes while keeping your dryer running smoothly and safely.

Taking care of your dryer can also save you time and energy in the long run. So why wait? Jump in, swap out that duct, and enjoy a dryer that works better and lasts longer. Your laundry—and your peace of mind—will thank you!