How to replace Whirlpool dryer lint screen grille W11125442

Does your Whirlpool dryer seem to be taking longer to dry clothes or not working as efficiently as it once did? A clogged or damaged lint screen grille might be the culprit, but don’t worry—you can replace it in less than an hour with basic tools. Check out the video below for a step-by-step guide and get your dryer back to top performance in no time!

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

Over time, the lint screen grille in your Whirlpool dryer can become damaged or clogged with lint, which can reduce airflow and drying performance. If the grille is too clogged or damaged and needs to be replaced, you’ll be happy to know you can swap it out with a new one in under an hour.

You can find a replacement lint screen grille here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool 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

What you need

• Phillips and flat-blade screwdrivers
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Needle nose pliers
• Utility knife
• Wooden block
• Replacement lint screen grille (make sure it’s compatible with your specific dryer 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.

How to replace the lint screen grille

Follow these steps to change out the lint screen grille in your Whirlpool dryer.

Step 1: Remove the dryer top and control panel

1. Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power supply.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws located at the back of the dryer top.
3. Slide the top panel back and lift it off.
4. Use the nut driver to remove the two corner screws that hold the control panel.
5. Carefully disconnect the wire harness plugs by releasing the locking tabs and pulling them out.
6. Lift the control panel up and off to disengage the mounting tabs.
7. Set the control panel aside.

Step 2: Detach the front panel

1. Open the dryer door and take out the lint screen.
2. Remove the Phillips head screws along the top of the front panel opening.
3. To detach the bottom of the panel, tilt the dryer back and place a wooden block under the front legs.
4. Take out the mounting screws along the bottom with the nut driver.
5. Stand the dryer back up, remove the block, and disconnect the remaining wire plug.
6. Lift off the front panel.

Step 3: Take out the lint screen housing

1. On the exposed bulkhead, remove the two-quarter-inch screws that hold the lint screen housing bracket.
2. Use pliers to detach the spring clip, then slide it off the bracket.
3. Flip the housing over and take out the two screws on each side.
4. Lift off the top brace.
5. Remove the four screws that secure the front bulkhead and disconnect the moisture sensor plug.
6. Remove the bottom center screw and retainer bar.
7. Lift the bulkhead up and off the mounting hooks.

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

Step 4: Clean out lint and debris

Remove the bulkhead and thoroughly vacuum and wipe down the interior of the dryer and lint screen housing assembly. Scrape off any stuck-on lint clumps.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Step 5: Install the new lint screen grille

1. Pry off the old moisture sensor terminals with a flat-blade screwdriver.
2. Carefully remove the sensors by pressing in the locking tabs.
3. Install the new grille piece where the old grille was seated.
4. Reinstall the moisture sensors by aligning and sliding them back into place until they click.
5. Snap the terminals back onto the sensors.
6. Join the housing halves and tuck the tabs into the slots.
7. Replace the screws.

Step 6: Reinstall the front bulkhead and panels

1. Slide the front bulkhead up into the dryer and hang it on the side hooks.
2. Reconnect the sensor plug.
3. Attach the bulkhead with the mounting screws.
4. Replace the top brace.
5. Install the front panel bracket.
6. Securely reattach all the screws and plugs.

Step 7: Replace the top and control panel

1. Align the control panel and connect the wire harness plugs.
2. Secure the panel with the corner screws.
3. Slide the top panel into place about an inch from the control panel, then drop it down.
4. Attach the back screws.

Step 8: Reinsert the lint screen and test dryer

1. Put the lint screen back in and close the door.
2. Restore power to the dryer.
3. Run a test cycle to make sure the dryer is working correctly.

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

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the lint screen grille in your Whirpool 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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