Heating element possibly out on my dryer!! What do I do?

[blurredvision]

My girlfriend has a friend who says heating elements are only around $13, and he would be able to install himself.

First off, is that price even correct? I have no idea, but seems a little low to me. Also, how hard is it to install a heating element anyhow? I have a basic knowledge of tools, and am capable of handling any kind of repair with proper instructions.

 

[JC]

First of all, how are you sure the element is bad?

 

[alkemyst]

yeah make sure it's the element definitely and also YMMV on repairs and parts prices.

There should be a 'parts center' that you can call with your model number and get the part price and maybe even a quick run through....they may have a manual you can look at.

Å

 

[Eli]

Replace it.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Go to a hardware store & buy a set of nut drivers (screwdrivers with socket type ends), purchase a new heating element, and replace it.

Most appliances are dirt simple to fix, nothing but sheet metal a motor & some screws.

Replace the belt while you're in there too.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
There should be a 'parts center' that you can call with your model number and get the part price and maybe even a quick run through....they may have a manual you can look at.

Good suggestion, but this dryer is a bit old. I paid $50 for it, and it's worked fine for a while. I couldn't even tell you what brand it is .

 

[Ronstang]

The heating element will be between $20 and $50 depending upon brand/model and it should only take you 30 minutes or so to replace it as it is rather easy and can be accessed from the back panel on most units. Find the brand and get the model and serial numbers and call the appropriate supply house and you will be all set.

 

[Evadman]

Get me the Model Number, I will get you the part number.

 

[blurredvision]

Thanks for the tips guys. Seems pretty easy, and cheaper than I originally expected. Thanks to JC for a tip via PM (which unfortunately didn't work) also.

I don't care what the mods say about you guys, you're alright sometimes

 

[Evadman]

arrgh

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Evadman
Get me the Model Number, I will get you the part number.

White-Westinghouse dryer
Model #: MDE116RBW1

 

[Papagayo]

Yes, the parts are very inexpensive.. it's the labor that cost a lot and plus, people that does the repair will try to rip you off..

I helped my dad replace a motor on our central heater.. repairman quoted around $900..

We bought the motor for $100, took us 1 hour to replace it.

 

[mdcrab]

Still may be cheaper in the long run to replace it. A new one costs probably $20 to 30.
If you repair the old one you may other components that are getting near the end of there lives.
Switches, cords, etc.

mdcrab

 

[alkemyst]

Life is a factor...but with a dryer you are really dealing with simple stuff.

My parents have a dryer they bought in 1970 since working in there garage for shop towels. It works great, has moisture detection so it shuts off the heat once the clothes are dry ...it's also quiet.

I don't know if today's dryers are capable of a long run like that....but we have replaced the element on that machine I think 2 times now.

 

[FoBoT]

so if my dryer is making a loud squeaking noise, i can replace a "belt" inside it and the loud squeaking is likely to stop?

 

[JC]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
so if my dryer is making a loud squeaking noise, i can replace a "belt" inside it and the loud squeaking is likely to stop?

More likely, the squeaking is caused by bad drum bearings, rollers, or glides (depends on the design).



JC

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

I've got to replace my lint screen as it is ripped. Is there any good way to get all the dust and lint out of the dryer after that is taken care of? My clothes (especially black) come out covered with lint now...

(

 

[alkemyst]

vacuum always works for me....compressed air makes it snow in your laundry room.

 

[Rebels7]

Make sure that the dryer vent is not clogged/obstructed, this will cause a dryer to appear to have a bad heating element.