I have a Whirlpool AWZ541 condenser tumble dryer and I have established that the heating element is dead. I did managed to get to the element very easily but I cannot remove it even though I have removed all screws. For some reason, the opening does not seem to be big enough for it to go through it. The only way, I can see, is using force but this will bend the metal round the opening. Is this the way to do it or am I being stupid?

Damien Guiot, January 2008

I Also had a problem removing the old element , and can confirm the element is tight but it definitely will come out with a little gentle pressure from a screw driver on the right hand side easing it out. It also helped taking the rubber washer off the business end of the element , make sure you number the spade connections with a marker then take a photo which will help when putting the connections back on.
I paid £27.69 complete with thermostats from Spares2go

Steviegee, February 2017

Hi Damion

I had the same thing !
Although the hole doesn't seem big enough it does come out there. If you push the unit to the left and at the same time push a little screwdriver in the right hand side you can GENTLY apply a little pressure by levering it and it will come out this side first. Do be gentle or else you will bend the very thin sheet metal

Marco, October 2008