How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6008290 / WP3388229 Access Panel Spring Retainer

Ran a few tests to determine which parts had failed, ordered the dryer heating element and the lower door clips. Parts arrived quickly, repair was very easy, the video was great, and the old dryer is functioning well again! Thanks so much! It's so helpful to be able to get parts for the older machines and keep them running. It's a big help to our family! I have ordered from you previously for a washer and will order from you again when needed. Thanks again! 

Replaced the clips and springs. 

The replacement fit perfectly and solved the problem. 

Removed the whole front panel of the dryer and pulled out the drum. That gave me full access to replace the idler pulley. Parts came quicker than expected and the dryer is no longer squealing. 

Ordered a kit with new belt, rollers and idler pulley. Used instructions in kit, YouTube videos and instructions I found under the console of the dryer. Found that the idler pulley had frozen and that the belt was nearly worn through. Repair it self was not difficult. The problem I had was in hooking the new belt around the idler pulley. It was solved by removing the one screw holding the air discharge tube and sliding the tube rearwards. This allowed me to get my arm in behind the idler pulley and hooking it around the new belt. Remember to remove the clip holding the discharge tube at the back of the dryer so the tube can slide back giving you room to reach the idler pulley. 

Replaced open thermal fuse. Assured clear dryer vent path. Also replaced broken left front access panel spring retainer clip. 

My Dryer had no heat but seamed to work perfectly otherwise. I pulled off the front panel and found a huge amount of partially burnt and what looked like super-heated lint everywhere. I vacuumed out all the lint and used a lint brush to loosen and clean the entire dryer insides. I used the helper videos and found the High heat fuse was burnt. I inspected all the seals and electrical parts. I ordered the needed part and installed them and the dryer works perfect. Thank you for all the help/info to do the job right. 

I ordered new pulley and keeper pins. I gently lubed and pushed it in slowly. It was magnificent. So tight yet a perfect fit. I'm so satified. 

Replacing bad motor with new one. 

In the process of opening the lower access panel, I bent the spring retainer clip though. Came across appliancepartspros.com in a Google search and easily found the spring clip and replacement belt. That was on a Saturday after I found the local parts store would have to order the spring clip. Appliancepartspros website said "in stock" guaranteed shipping on Monday. Located in S.California, I figured should arrive the next day without having to pay for two day or overnight shipping. I wasn't desperate anyway it's only the dryer after all. Shirley enough arrived on Tuesday. Dryer easily up and running, get have to watch a video To loop the belt through the tensioning pulley!