How to replace the heat diffuser WE11X29438 on a GE dryer

Tired of tossing in a fresh load of laundry only to find uneven drying and rusty clothes? It might be time to replace your GE dryer’s heat diffuser, and the good news is you can do it yourself! Dive into our step-by-step guide and don’t miss the accompanying how-to video below to get your dryer spinning smoothly and efficiently again.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Is your GE dryer drying clothes unevenly or looking rusty? That could be a sign your heat diffuser (part number WE11X29438) needs to be replaced. This part spreads heat evenly across the drum. Luckily, replacing it is pretty simple, and way cheaper than calling a tech. Let’s go over how to swap it out and get your dryer back to drying.

You can find a replacement heat diffuser WE11X29438 here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE 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 here!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• Phillips and flat-blade screwdrivers
• 1⁄4 inch nut driver
• Torx T25 and T9 screwdrivers (or small flathead for T9)
• New heat diffuser (WE11X29438)

Safety precautions   

Safety should always be a priority when working on any appliance. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay safe:

• Turn off the power to the appliance by unplugging it or switching off the circuit breaker before starting any maintenance or repairs. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Work at a steady pace and take your time to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep the area clear of clutter, and ensure children and pets stay out of the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Check that both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Refer to your appliance’s user manual for any specific instructions or safety guidelines related to the part or repair.
• Handle parts gently to avoid damage to the appliance or potential injuries from applying too much force.
• Use safety glasses when dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes from harm.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it enough time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections and terminals before disconnecting anything to make reassembly easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you must handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Preparing the work area

1.  Always make sure to unplug the dryer and turn off the circuit breaker before beginning. This eliminates any risk of electric shock.
2. Start by opening the dryer door and removing the two Phillips screws, one in each upper corner of the top panel. 
3. Slide the panel back and off.
4. Next, remove the three screws along the top of the control panel. 
5. Tilt the panel forward, slide it left, and detach it completely. 
6. Set it aside for now.
7. Lift off the top panel and slide it out.
8. Remove the two 1⁄4 inch screws, one in each upper corner of the front panel.

Detaching the front panel

1. To detach the front panel, lift up slightly on the dryer drum. This gives you the clearance to pull the panel bottom forward and down, tilting it out from underneath the drum.
2. Once the bottom is free, lift the panel up to detach it from the hinges along the top.
3. Unplug the two wires from the door switch.
4. Set the front panel aside somewhere safe.

Removing the drum

1. Reach your arm inside the dryer, being careful not to cut yourself on any sharp edges.
2. Push down on the idler pulley arm to relax the belt tension.
3. Slip the belt off the motor pulley and set it aside.
4. Pull up on the belt while sliding the drum forward slightly. This gives you the clearance to tilt the drum opening and maneuver it out. 
5. Set the drum aside.
6. Inspect the bearing sleeve on the back of the drum. If it shows significant wear, order a replacement. Otherwise, leave it in place.

Detaching the old diffuser

1. With the drum removed, lay it on its side. 
2. Remove the three Torx T25 screws holding the heat diffuser in place. 
3. Carefully pry the old diffuser out of the drum.
4. Take a moment to clean out any lint buildup inside the drum itself. This improves airflow for the new part.

Installing the new diffuser

1. Set the drum upright and insert the bearing shaft into the center. 
2. Match up the mounting holes. 
3. To hold the diffuser steady while installing, stick a Torx T9 screwdriver or nail into one of the holes. 
4. Secure it in place with tape.
5. The heat diffuser only fits one way. Note the smooth side and the grooved side. The small lip should face out. 
6. Align the diffuser holes with the screw holes in the drum. 
7. Insert the first screw part way to hold it in position. 
8. Do not tighten fully yet.
9. Install the remaining two screws in the same manner, just finger tight. Once all three are started, go back and tighten them down fully.
10. Remove the screwdriver or nail. 
11. Carefully turn the drum over and double-check your work.

Reassembling the dryer

1. Drape the belt around the drum pulley with the grooves facing down.
2. Tilt the drum opening and carefully insert the bearing shaft into the rear bearing, wiggling it into place.
3. Reach both arms in and loop the belt around the motor pulley. 
4. Install the idler pulley as well. Retrieve your arms safely.
5. Bring the front panel in, attaching the bottom to the hinges first.
6. Lift the drum and slide the panel into place, interlocking the side tabs.
7. Install the two 1/4-inch screws along the top.
8. Replace the top panel, matching up the tabs and sliding it down into place.
9. Install the corner screws with the door open for access.
10. Tilt the control panel back into position, sliding it to the right to lock the tabs into place.
11. Reinstall the three screws along the top edge.
12. With all the panels replaced, plug the dryer back in and test it on a high-heat cycle. The drum should turn smoothly and it should heat up indicating proper air circulation.

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.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!