How to replace Whirlpool / KitchenAid / Maytag dryer venting kit W10323246 like a pro

Is your dryer leaving clothes damp, signaling a problem with the venting kit? Fear not; solving this common issue is easier than you think! Dive into our step-by-step guide and accompanying how-to video below to replace the venting kit on your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dryer, and get your machine back to optimal performance with ease.

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

If you need to replace the venting kit on your Whirlpool, KitchenAid, or Maytag dryer, don’t worry. We’re here to help you through the process so you can keep your machine venting properly.

You can find a replacement dryer venting kit 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 here

What you need

• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
• 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch nut drivers
• Needlenose pliers
• Chisel and hammer
• Half-round file

What’s included in the kit

• 12-inch vent tube
• 7.4-inch vent tube
• 3.4-inch fan tube
• Vent elbow
• Plastic side panel plugs
• Vent ring
• Metal cover plates
• Hose clamps
• Screws
• Instructions

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

Safety precautions

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 eliminating 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 model, shut off the gas supply to prevent any 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 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.

How to install the venting kit

Follow these steps to change out the venting kit on your Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag dryer.

Step 1: Remove the control panel

1. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to take out two screws at the back of the dryer.
2. Pull the top back, slide it, and lift it off.
3. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to take out the two screws holding the control panel, one in each corner.
4. Disconnect the wiring by pressing down on the tab and pulling the connectors apart.
5. Lift the edge of the control panel to disengage the tabs, then slide out the control panel assembly.

Step 2: Remove the front panel

1. Open the door and remove the lint screen.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to take out the two screws at the bottom of the front panel, where the door sits against it.
3. Close the door and install a wooden block to tilt the dryer back.
4. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the outer screws holding the front panel at the bottom.
5. Loosen the second and third screws.
6. Tilt the dryer back and remove the wooden block.
7. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the three 1/4-inch screws holding the front panel on the top.
8. Disconnect the door switch wiring by lifting the tab and pulling the connector apart.
9. Open the door, grab the front panel with both hands, lift it up, and remove it.

Step 3: Remove the front bulkhead and drum

1. Remove the two 1/4-inch screws at the front of the mounting bracket with a nut driver.
2. Lift the mounting bracket up, turn it, and use pliers to squeeze the retainer clip to pull it out.
3. Turn the bracket over and, using the nut driver, take out two screws on each side.
4. Lift the top brace and remove it.
5. Use the nut driver to remove the four 1/4-inch screws holding the front bulkhead.
6. Disconnect the moisture sensor plug by squeezing the locking tabs and pulling it apart.
7. Remove the 1/4-inch screw at the bottom of the front bulkhead with the nut driver, then remove the retainer bar.
8. Pull the bulkhead up to disengage it from the hooks on the sides.
9. Lift up on the drum to remove the bulkhead.
10. Push up the idler arm and free the belt from the pulleys – first the idler pulley, then the motor pulley.
11. Let go of the idler arm, spread the sides a little, lift up the drum by the belt and remove it.

Step 4: Install the new venting kit

1. Use a punch and a hammer to break down the six points where the plug is welded together to punch it out.
2. Straighten a couple of bends with pliers if desired.
3. Using a half-round file, smooth out all the cuts.
4. Loosen the screw on the clamp with a Phillips screwdriver and pull off the vent hose from the dryer pipe.
5. Remove the 1/4-inch screw on the vent tube clamp with a nut driver.
6. Slide back the long vent tube, lift it up, and pull it out.
7. Remove the vent ring that’s held with three clips by pressing down on each clip and pushing it out.
8. Block the rear opening by using the metal cover provided in the kit.
9. Install the 7.4-inch tube onto the blower housing and use the nut driver to secure it with a 1/4-inch screw.
10. Loosen both clamps with a 5/16-inch nut driver and slide them over the pipes.
11. Grab the elbow and install one of the clamps on this end.
12. Bring in the 12-inch pipe, slide the second clamp on, and connect the two pieces tightly. Tighten the clamp with the 5/16-inch nut driver.
13. Before placing the final vent piece, use pliers to remove the wire from the water valve and bend the terminal to the left. Install the wire facing down.
14. Connect the pre-assembled vent piece. Slide down the clamp so the screw is out of the way and tighten it with the 5/16-inch nut driver.
15. Install the vent ring by pushing and snapping it in place.

Step 5: Reassemble the dryer

1. Lift the drum by the belt and slide it in by placing the edge onto the rollers.
2. Put the belt on the idler and motor pulleys.
3. Lift the front bulkhead up, place the duct in, and hang the bulkhead on the hooks.
4. Secure the bulkhead by using the nut driver to install the four 1/4-inch screws.
5. Connect the moisture sensor plug.
6. Install the brace at the bottom and use the nut driver to secure it with the 1/4-inch screw.
7. Install the top brace and use the nut driver to secure it with the two short and two long 1/4-inch screws.
8. Hang the front panel on the bottom screws, insert the door switch harness into the opening, and pull it out.
9. Secure the top of the front panel by using the nut driver to install the three 1/4-inch screws.
10. Install the control board bracket and lock the harness retainer into the opening. Use the nut driver to secure it with two 1/4-inch screws.
11. Install the control panel assembly and use the nut driver to secure it with the two 1/4-inch screws.
12. Install the top by placing it an inch from the control panel and sliding it forward. Secure it with the two 1/4-inch screws.
13. Connect the water lines and exhaust fan.
14. Turn on the gas supply, if you have a gas model.
15. Plug the dryer into the power outlet.
16. Run a test cycle to make sure the new venting kit works correctly.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the venting kit in your Whirlpool dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over 2 million parts and most orders arrive in 2-3 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.

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