Although a clothes dryer looks like an almost impenetrable appliance, it is fairly easy to open one up to gain access to the working parts for repairs. In fact, this is almost fun because it’s pretty simple once you know how, and it is a really great way to gain a clearer understanding of how this appliance works.

You can remove the top, the front, and the back, depending upon what you’re trying to do. Be sure to disconnect the electrical power and, if it is a gas dryer, turn off the gas before doing any repair work. As you work, pay attention to the steps and gather each of the screws and parts in one place so reassembly will be easy.

The steps here show how to open a front-loading Kenmore dryer; if your dryer is made differently, the steps are probably reasonably similar, but refer to your owner's manual. If all else fails, you can call a qualified appliance repair serviceperson to have it fixed, but plan to spend at least $85.

To remove the dryer’s top, lift out the lint trap and, underneath it, unscrew the screws that secure the dryer’s top (see photo above right). Note: For some dryers, you’ll need to remove screws at the top of the back panel.

Push a stiff, thin putty knife between the top and the side, about 2 1/2 inches from the front corner. On some models, you will be able to just pry the top up; with others, you will need to release a locking clip at this location by pushing it with the putty knife. Then do the same at the other corner. Lift the top up and tilt it safely against the wall behind the dryer. Wires will prevent you from removing it completely. For some repairs, this may be all you need to do.

Removing the back is trickiest—not because of the way it is attached (it is just held in place with screws), but because you usually must wrestle the dryer away from the wall, detach the dryer vent, and so forth. Fortunately, however, opening the top and front will suffice for almost all repairs.

To open the front of the dryer, start with the lower “kick plate” panel at the bottom. Unscrew this and take it off, then support the bottom of the tumbler drum with a couple of blocks or bricks so that, when you pull the full front of the dryer off, the drum won’t drop.

Find the screws and/or locking clips that secure the front panel to the sides and remove them. Also disconnect the wire module between the main body of the dryer and the door. Then you should be able to just lift off the front.

Voila! Now you have access to the dryer belt, the idler pulley, the gas valve, and most of the other working parts.