Maytag electric dryer makes noise from heating compartment--sounds like fan blades maybe hitting something?

I don't know that I can help you in any way other than to say that you are probably right. But some times the blower wheels do come loose and spin somewhat freely on the shaft and make a similar noise. But when that happens, you will usually notice a vibrating sound right after the drum stops spinning. Because the blower wheel continues to spin for a second or two. But I have seen, popsicle sticks, jewelry, bobby pins,those plastic white things that are under the collar in shirts and all sorts of other things in those blower wheels making noise.

Good luck