How to Replace the Heating Element on a Speed Queen Electric Dryer
The Speed Queen electric dryer is very similar in cabinet design and mechanical systems to the Amana line of dryers, with the heating element located behind the dryer drum. You can replace the heating element from the back access panel in about 30 minutes.
The Speed Queen heating element is a rectangular coil system housed in a metal casing, and can be removed fairly easily so it can be replaced.
Things You Will Need
- Nut driver
- Screwdriver
- Putty knife
Warning
Always unplug the power cord of the Speed Queen electric dryer from the power source before attempting to replace the heating element.
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Remove the power cord of the Speed Queen electric dryer from the electrical outlet. Move the dryer away from the back wall to give you enough room to work behind the appliance.
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Remove the hex screws from the back access panel with a nut driver, and set the panel out of the way. Locate the metal chimney on the right side of the interior panel and detach the two electrical wires from the side of the chimney using a screwdriver.
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Unhook the two electrical wires from the terminals at the base of the metal chimney. Open the lint filter cover at the top of the dryer and remove the lint filter.
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Unfasten the two screws underneath the lint filter cover with a screwdriver. Slide a putty knife between the top lid and the dryer cabinet in the front of the dryer and lift up on the knife to detach the top lid from the plastic clips on the cabinet.
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Lift the top lid up and unfasten the sheet metal screw that secures the mounting strap to the top of the metal chimney with a screwdriver. Slide the mounting strap out of the chimney and set it aside.
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Slide the metal chimney off the mounting brackets in the back of the dryer and remove the chimney from the dryer cabinet. Remove the sheet metal screw on the bottom of the chimney with a screwdriver and slide the heating element out of the chimney.
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Place the new heating element inside the metal chimney and secure it with the sheet metal screw at the bottom of the chimney. Put the chimney back inside the dryer cabinet and set it on the mounting brackets.
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Lift the top lid of the dryer cabinet and place the mounting strap back inside the top of the metal chimney. Secure the top of the mounting strap with the sheet metal screw.
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Press down on the dryer top to secure it to the plastic clips and attach the screws underneath the lint filter cover. Slide the lint filter back under the lint filter cover.
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Connect the two electrical wires to the terminals at the bottom of the chimney. Reattach the electrical wires to the side of the metal chimney and secure the back access panel to the dryer cabinet with hex screws.
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Move the Speed Queen dryer against the back wall and plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet.
The Drip Cap
- The Speed Queen electric dryer is very similar in cabinet design and mechanical systems to the Amana line of dryers, with the heating element located behind the dryer drum.
- Remove the sheet metal screw on the bottom of the chimney with a screwdriver and slide the heating element out of the chimney.
- Connect the two electrical wires to the terminals at the bottom of the chimney.
- Move the Speed Queen dryer against the back wall and plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
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