How to replace Whirlpool dryer lint screen housing assembly W10906551

Is your dryer taking forever to dry your clothes? A clogged or damaged lint screen housing might be the culprit, obstructing airflow and reducing efficiency. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide to replace it, complete with a how-to video just below to make the process even easier!

Are your clothes taking forever to dry? If so, a clogged or damaged lint screen housing could be to blame. The lint screen housing is an important part of your dryer that traps lint and allows air to circulate. If it’s not cleaned out regularly, lint can build up inside the housing and obstruct airflow. Replacing the lint screen housing is an easy, affordable repair that can help restore your dryer.

If you need a replacement lint screen housing assembly W10906551, you can order one here. You can also find other Whirlpool dryer replacement parts by entering your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com. 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 screwdriver
• 1⁄4-inch nut driver
• Needle nose pliers
• Wooden block
• Shop vacuum
• Long handled brushes
• Replacement lint screen housing assembly (make sure it’s compatible with your dryer model)

Keep safety first

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your dryer 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 dryer 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 dryer 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 dryer or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the dryer 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 Preventing Wrinkles in the Dryer: Goodbye Ironing!

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Remove the dryer top and control panel

1. Make sure the dryer is turned off and unplugged.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws at the back top corners of the dryer.
3. Slide the top panel back about an inch and lift it to remove it. Set it aside.
4. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws at the top edge of the control panel.
5. Disconnect the two wiring harness plugs on the back of the control panel.
6. Lift up on the control panel to release the mounting tabs and slide it out.

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

Step 2 – Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen

The lint screen slides out from the front of the drum. Removing it provides an unobstructed view inside.

1. Open the dryer door.
2. Slide out the lint screen and set it aside.
3. Remove the two Phillips head screws on the front panel just in front of the lint filter.

Step 3 – Tilt the dryer back and remove the front panel

1. Close the dryer door and insert a wooden block under the front legs to prevent the dryer from tipping.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the bottom front panel screws at the outer corners; only loosen the two middle screws.
3. Tilt the dryer back and remove the wood block.
4. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the three 3/4-inch screws along the top of the front panel.
5. Disconnect the door switch wiring harness.
6. Carefully lift up the front panel and feed the door switch wire through the opening.

Step 4 – Detach the mounting bracket and remove the bulkhead

1. Remove the two 1/4-inch screws that hold the mounting bracket above the drum.
2. Use pliers to detach the wire harness clip from the bracket.
3. Lift off the bracket and set it aside.
4. Remove the four 1/4-inch screws at the corners of the front bulkhead panel.
5. Disconnect the moisture sensor wiring plug.
6. Remove the final 1/4-inch screw at the bottom of the lint trap duct.
7. Lift the bulkhead up and off its mounting hooks and set it aside.

Read more: Dryer Settings: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Maintaining Your Appliance

Step 5 – Remove the old lint screen housing assembly

1. Remove the two Phillips screws along the bottom edge of the housing.
2. Flip the housing over and remove the 1/4-inch screw from the center bracket.
3. Slide the housing forward and out of its mounting slot.
4. Look over the old part for any damage like cracks, melted spots, or blockages.

Step 6 – Clean out lint buildup

With everything open, now is the perfect time to clean out lint. Lint can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas inside the cabinet, so take the time to have a close look around. You can order lint cleaning kits for your dryer here and here.

• Use a vacuum crevice tool to clean the cavity around the lint screen housing.
• Use long-handled brushes to dislodge lint in tight areas.
• Remove all loose lint and debris from the drum, bulkhead, and cabinet interior.
• Take this opportunity to check and clean out your lint ductwork, including the vent, duct and vent hood.

Read more: Don’t Let Your Noisy Dryer Drive You Crazy! Discover the Top Causes and Easy Fixes Today

Step 7 – Install the new lint screen housing assembly

1. Align the new housing into position and feed the wiring plug through the slot.
2. Push the housing back into place and make sure the bottom is seated correctly.
3. Install and tighten the 1/4-inch center mounting screw.
4. Flip the housing over and replace the two Phillips screws along the bottom edge.
5. Double-check that the housing sits flush and all screws are tight.

Step 8 – Reassemble the dryer

1. Replace the front bulkhead panel and make sure the tabs are seated correctly.
2. Reconnect the wiring.
3. Reattach the mounting bracket above the drum.
4. Carefully align the front panel and feed the door switch wire through the opening.
5. Secure the front panel screws along the top and bottom.
6. Replace the control panel and top lid.

Step 9 – Test the dryer

1. Plug the dryer back in and power it on.
2. Run a short test cycle with a few small towels.

Read more: Dryer Making Noise? How to Fix & Troubleshooting

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the lint screen housing assembly in your Whirlpool 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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