Recently, my Whirlpool LEC7858AW0 dryer stopped heating. I tested the thermal fuse, high limit thermostat, and cycling thermostat for continuity and they were all fine. There was no continuity in the heating element, so I know that needs to be replaced.

My problem is that there is a small panel on the back of the washing machine that covers about a quarter of the casing that houses the heating element. There is a hole punched in this panel to allow access to the screw attaching the heating element casing to the clip at the top, which I was able to remove, but there's another screw at the bottom of the casing with its head facing toward the bulkhead.





Is there any way to remove the heating element without removing the drum and essentially disassembling the entire dryer?

Also, when I removed the back access panel, there was a circular plastic part attached to the blower housing that was cracked. From the Bulkhead Parts diagram, I think it might be part #6 ("SHIELD"), but I was hoping for verification before I order it.

The box heater would not budge, even with the top screw off. I'm not even sure if it's meant to come out now that I have everything apart.

I eventually was able to get the bottom screw off with a wrench after I realized it was a hex head. Then after tilting the dryer forward, I was able to pull the heating element out through the bottom of the box heater.