How do you open the Maytag md5500 dryer to change a belt or idler wheels?

First unplug the dryer.

1. Remove the screws inside the door ( 2 on each side) .
2. Remove the door. ( sometimes they fall off and sometimes you have to work a little to get them off.
3. Grasp both sides of the dryer front,at the top, and pull out.
4. Lean the front out at about a 60 degree angle and lift to remove from tabs at the bottom
5. Remove 2-5/16 (1 on each side) hexhead screws from the 2 flat hook-like tabs that hold the top of the dryer down
6. The dryer duct and the front drum support can be removed separately by removing 2 5/16 hex head screws from the dryer duct and 4 screws from the drum support. Pay attention to the door switch and drum light wiring.
7 . Raise the top of the dryer and let it lean back out of the way.
8. Pay particular attention to the routing of the drum belt ( draw a picture if necessary). This belt can be a bear to install sometimes. There should be an access panel on the rear to make it easier to remove and install the belt.
9. Once the belt is loose from the motor and idler bearing the drum can be lifted slightly,using the dryer belt, and removed through the front of the dryer cabinet.