How to replace LG or Kenmore dryer duct assembly 5209EL1001E

Is your dryer ripping clothes to shreds instead of getting them fresh and dry? A damaged duct assembly could be the culprit, but don’t worry—there’s an easy DIY fix! Watch the how-to video below and learn step-by-step how to replace the duct assembly in your LG or Kenmore dryer to save your laundry and your wallet.

Need a part?  Search below using your appliance model number to find exactly what you need:

The duct assembly in your LG or Kenmore dryer connects the gas burner outlet to the drum inlet and allows hot air to circulate into the drum to dry your laundry. Over time, the duct assembly’s outlet grill may become corroded or damaged, which can cause the grill to catch and tear your laundry as it tumbles in the dryer.

Fortunately, the duct assembly is an easy swap out that you can handle yourself.

You can find a replacement dryer duct assembly here. If you need other replacement parts for your 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

What you’ll need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Pliers
• New duct assembly (make sure it’s compatible with your specific model before installing!)

Keep safety first

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• 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 you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• 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.
• 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: Why Is My Dryer Overheating? Understanding The Common Causes And Solutions

How to replace the duct assembly

Follow these steps to switch out the duct assembly in your LG or Kenmore dryer.

Step 1: Remove the top panel

1. Make sure the dryer is turned off and unplugged from the power outlet.
2. If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply to the unit.
3. Find the three screws along the back top edge of the dryer. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove them.
4. Slide the top panel back about an inch.
5. Lift evenly on both sides to remove the top panel. Set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the steam drawer/container

1. Look inside the dryer opening for a rectangular steam drawer in the top left. Pull out the drawer.
2. Find the removable steam feeder container in the drawer. Lift the container out and set it aside.

Read more: How To Disassemble A Dryer

Step 3: Detach the control panel

1. Underneath where the steam drawer was located, find the two Phillips head screws. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws.
2. Find the two wiring harness plugs that are connected to the main control board. Depress the release tabs on both plugs to disconnect them.
3. Near the top, find the two wires that are routed through retainers. Carefully detach the wires from the retainers.
4. Disconnect the last wiring plug at the bottom right corner of the control panel.
5. Remove the single screw at the lower right corner of the panel.
6. Lift the control panel to release the mounting tabs.
7. Tilt the panel forward and disconnect the wiring harness. Set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the front panel

1. With the dryer door closed, remove the two screws from the very bottom left and right corners.
2. Open the dryer door. Remove the three screws inside, along the front edge.
3. Tilt the front panel forward, release the bottom hinges, and disconnect the door switch plug.
4. Set the front panel aside.

Step 5: Detach the front bracket and wiring

1. Find the two plastic wire holders on the back of the front panel bracket. Use pliers to detach the holders and release the wiring.
2. Remove the three top screws and two lower front screws from the bracket.
3. Lift the bracket and disconnect the interior light wiring. Remove the bracket.

Step 6: Disconnect the bulkhead

1. Find the round duct opening that leads to the blower. Remove the four screws from the bulkhead above the opening.
2. Pull off the electrical plug for the moisture sensor wiring that’s below the duct opening.
3. Lift and slide out the bulkhead, releasing it from the hinges. Set it aside.

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

Step 7: Remove the drum and belt

1. Use both hands to reach into the dryer cabinet. Push down on the idler pulley to release tension on the belt.
2. Carefully maneuver the belt off of the drive motor pulley. Remove the belt.
3. Lift the front drum edge and slide the drum out through the front opening.

Step 8: Detach the rear bulkhead

1. Lay the dryer on its back to access the rear panel.
2. Remove the screws from the perimeter of the rear bulkhead.
3. Lift off the rear bulkhead cover plate.

Step 9: Disconnect the dryer vent hose

Find the flexible metal vent hose that connects to the blower housing. Use the pliers to loosen the hose clamp and detach the vent hose from its fitting.

Step 10: Remove the front bulkhead

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

Step 11: Install the new duct assembly

1. Place the old duct assembly on a work table and remove the four screws holding the duct in place.
2. Lift off the old duct. Discard the old part and keep the screws.
3. Align the new duct assembly into position on the bulkhead.
4. Insert and tighten the four screws.

Step 12: Reassemble the dryer

With the new duct assembly installed, it’s time to reassemble the dryer. Take care to properly route wiring and secure all connections.

1. Reattach the front bulkhead by aligning it and snapping the locking tab back into place.
2. Reconnect the flexible metal vent hose to the blower housing fitting and secure it with the hose clamp.
3. Replace the rear bulkhead cover plate and secure it with the screws around the perimeter.
4. Carefully slide the drum back into the cabinet opening. Make sure the belt is properly positioned around the drum.
5. Route the belt around the drive motor pulley. Use both hands to push down on the idler pulley to create enough slack so you can loop the belt over the pulley.
6. Slide the bulkhead back into place by aligning it with the hinges.
7. Reconnect the moisture sensor wiring plug.
8. Reattach the front bracket by connecting the interior light wiring and securing it with the screws.
9. Reinstall the front panel, reconnect the door switch plug and align the bottom hinges.
10. Secure the front panel with the screws.
11. Reattach the control panel by reconnecting the wiring harness and securing it with the screws.
12. Route the two wires through the retainers and reconnect the two wiring harness plugs to the control board.
13. Replace the steam feeder container and slide the steam drawer back into place.
14. Slide the top panel back into place and secure it with the three screws along the back top edge.
15. Plug the dryer back into the power outlet and turn it on. If you have a gas dryer, turn the gas supply back on.
16. Test the dryer to make sure it works and vents hot air correctly.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the duct assembly in your LG or Kenmore dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common dryer problems here.

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