How to replace LG dryer lint filter guide MEA49050001

Are you having issues with your LG or Kenmore dryer not drying clothes properly? A broken lint filter guide could be the culprit.

Check out this guide with all the information you need to replace this small but important part so you can get your dryer working like new again.

You can find a replacement lint filter guide here. If you need other replacement parts for your LG dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the full repair

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What is the lint filter guide & why would I need to replace it?

The lint filter guide is a plastic piece located inside the lint filter housing at the front of the dryer. It securely holds the lint filter in place. Over time, the guide can become damaged or cracked, which can the filter from fitting snugly. When this happens, lint can bypass the filter and clog up the exhaust vent, which reduces airflow and increases the chance of a fire. Replacing the lint filter guide helps restore the tight seal that’s needed to trap lint.

What you need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Heat gun
• New lint filter guide (make sure it’s compatible with your specific model before installing)

Keep safety first

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: Tips for Caring for Your Dryer | Clothes Dryer Maintenance

How to replace the lint filter guide

Follow these steps to swap out the old lint filter guide for a new one.

Step 1: Remove the old lint filter guide

1. Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power source. If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply.
2. Open the dryer door and remove the lint filter by pulling it straight up and out of the housing.
3. Find the lint filter housing at the bottom of the dryer drum opening. You’ll see four Phillips head screws securing the housing in place. Use your screwdriver to remove all four screws.
4. Slide the lint filter housing straight out to remove it. Watch out for the sensor bar attached to the housing as you move so you don’t lose it.
5. Flip the housing over and place it on a flat surface. You’ll see two more Phillips screws that you need to remove.
6. In the housing, find the two plastic tabs on either side of the lint filter guide. Push these tabs in simultaneously to release the guide from the housing.
7. Remove the old lint filter guide.
8. You’ll notice the guide is part of a two-piece assembly that includes a top cover. Bend back the metal hinges to detach the cover from the guide.
9. Pay close attention to how the spring is positioned since you’ll need to reinstall it the same way later. Remove the spring and set it aside.

Read more: DIY Dryer Troubleshooting: What Is Causing Slow Drying Times?

Step 2: Assemble the new lint filter guide

IMPORTANT: Your new replacement lint filter guide will not come with the insulation strap pre-installed. You’ll need to remove this strap from your old guide and transfer it over. Here’s how to do it.

1. Carefully peel up an edge of the strap.
2. Turn the guide over and use a heat gun to warm the adhesive while slowly pulling up the insulation strap.
3. Remove any leftover adhesive residue.
4. Position the insulation strap over the new guide and make sure it’s lined up evenly.
5. Stretch and press the strap down firmly to adhere it. Avoid over-stretching or you may damage the insulation.
6. Once the strap is securely attached, you can reassemble the two-piece guide and cover.
7. Insert the spring in the same position that it was originally installed in. Slide the end with the short hinge on first and make sure the spring settles into its groove.
8. Insert the long hinge side into place.
9. Press down on the center hinge pin to snap the two pieces together.
10. Test the hinged cover to make sure it can move before you continue.

Read more: 9 Ways To Improve Your Dryer’s Performance

Step 3: Reinstall the lint filter guide

Now that the new guide is assembled, you’re ready to put it back into the dryer housing.

1. Line up the plastic tabs on the guide with the slots in the housing.
2. Press down until the tabs click into place.
3. Replace the two Phillips screws to secure the lint filter guide.
4. Reposition the housing back into the dryer.
5. Carefully reconnect the sensor bar before sliding the housing all the way in.
6. Replace the four outer Phillips screws.

Read more: What Are Dryer Balls And How Do They Work?

Step 4: Wrap up

1. Slide the lint filter back into place until it clicks.
2. Close the dryer door
3. Plug the dryer back in and turn it on.
4. Run a test cycle. After it’s done, make sure the lint filter is securely in place and that no lint is escaping around the edges.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common dryer problems here.

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