How to remove lower kick plate on maytag 9000 washer?

SOURCE: Removing the front plate on a Whirlpool WED7800XW

After you get to the element, you may want to troubleshoot other components. Common problems are failure of the thermal limiter on the element housing and poor ventilation. If the dryer is producing any heat at all, don't disassemble the dryer, you have a ventilation issue.

Unplug the dryer.

You need a 1" putty knife to get the top up. At the front left and right corners under the top panel there is a spring clip. It may be helpful to look with a flashlight first because there is an alignment pin that sits right beside them. They can be stubborn so you may need to hit the back of the putty knife to get them loose. Apply upward pressure on the top panel as you disengage the spring clips. You will also need to remove the screws that secure the front panel to the lint screen housing (2 or 4 philips screws).

Once you get both sides released, open the door 90 degrees and the top panel will lift up on a rear hinge. With the top up you can access two 5/16" hex screws that secure the front panel to the bulkhead. Remove these and the front panel should lean forward. Remove front panel.

Remove the 5/16" hex screws that secure the lower lint screen duct to the blower housing and front bulkhead and remove duct. Disconnect wiring harness for the moisture sensor at the bottom right of bulkhead. There will be 4 screws holding the bulkhead to the rest of the cabinet. Remove these and lift off front bulkhead assembly. Two rollers on the back will want to hang on to the drum but gently turning the bulkhead should release without much trouble.

Remove the belt by releasing tension on the idler pulley and, using the belt as a handle at the top, remove the belt and drum together. The element is on the right, and you will need to remove the wires from the thermal limiter at the back, hi limit thermostat in the middle, and element at the front.

To remove the element, there are two 1/4" screws at the front that are tough to get to because you don't have much clearance, but they support the front of the element housing. There is one screw at the rear. Remove the element and then the hi limit and thermal limiter screws.