Kenmore Dryer: deteriorated lint chute seals
What is this symptom?
If your Kenmore dryer is showing signs of deteriorated lint chute seals, you may notice lint escaping into internal components. This issue often arises from heat exposure and wear, leading to the foam or felt seal crumbling or breaking apart. Regular inspection can help identify this problem before it affects dryer performance.
Important Tips for Kenmore Models
- Kenmore dryers use specific lint chute and lint trap foam seals (e.g., WP339956 / PS11741506) located between lint chute and bulkhead; replacing with OEM ensures proper fit and heat resistance.
Possible Causes
Foam lint chute seal degradation due to heat and wear
How to Identify: Seal appears brittle, crumbled, missing, or deteriorated when inspecting lint trap housing or lint chute; lint escaping into dryer beyond trap
Part: lint chute foam seal (e.g., WP339956 or equivalent)
Aged or incompatible replacement material
How to Identify: Previous DIY replacement using non‑OEM foam or weatherstripping that fails quickly or melts
Part: seal material
DIY Solutions
Replace lint chute foam seal with OEM part
- Unplug dryer and ensure power is off.
- Remove dryer access panels to reach lint trap housing.
- Remove old deteriorated foam seal and clean surface of lint chute and housing.
- Peel adhesive backing on new OEM seal (e.g., Kenmore WP339956 / part PS11741506) and press into place around lint chute.
- Reassemble housing and panels, reinstall lint filter.
- Test dryer for proper airflow and check for lint leakage.
Next step
Choose the next step for deteriorated lint chute seals
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Most relevant component to inspect
Dryer Lint Filter
Captures lint from exhaust air before it reaches the dryer vent path.
- Typical part-only price
- $15 - $55
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated time
- 5 mins
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Verify the complete model and part number on the retailer's compatibility page before ordering.
Other parts options
Check related components first; use model search as a fallback.
Model-compatible Dryer parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from other qualifying purchases or service requests made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on repair relevance, not commission rate.
Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit
Helps remove routine lint buildup from an accessible dryer vent path. It does not diagnose or repair an E-code or failed component.
Lint Trap Cleaning Brush
A narrow brush for routine cleaning around an accessible lint screen and housing.
Dryer Vent Hose Kit
A replacement exhaust duct option for visibly crushed or damaged external venting. Check diameter, length, local code, and installation clearance.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Professional sealing and airflow inspection
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Inspect lint chute seals annually: Seal deterioration and airflow bypass causing lint migration
Frequency: annually -
Clean lint trap and lint chute regularly: Lint buildup that can accelerate seal wear
Frequency: after each use
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore Dryer deteriorated lint chute seals?
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer deteriorated lint chute seals myself?
How much does it cost to fix deteriorated lint chute seals?
When should I call a technician for deteriorated lint chute seals?
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Age of the dryer leading to wear and tear on the seals
- Exposure to high temperatures causing the seals to degrade
- Improper installation or maintenance leading to seal damage
User Suggested Solutions
-
Replace the deteriorated lint chute seals with OEM parts. First, unplug the dryer. Remove the lint filter and any screws securing the lint chute cover. Carefully detach the cover, remove old seals, clean the area, and install new seals before reassembling the cover and plugging the dryer back in.
-
Use high-temperature silicone sealant to fill gaps in the existing seals. Ensure the area is clean and dry before applying the sealant. Allow it to cure as per manufacturer instructions before using the dryer.
-
Install alternative seals such as BBQ oven gasket seals. Measure the dimensions of the lint chute and cut the gasket to size. Clean the area thoroughly before applying the gasket. Ensure it adheres well to prevent lint leaks.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
lint chute seals deteriorated
Used BBQ oven gasket seals as a cheaper alternative to OEM parts for lint chute seals.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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