[dengail]

My dryer started to make a sound as if there were pennies going around in the dryer. Then it started to make holes and tears in the clothes, there was always a towel or piece of clothing stuck in the top of the front of the drum, now there is a piece of felt looks like maybe a felt gasket hanging from the top of the dryer. What is this, and can I fix it??

[kayakcrzy]

The reason it is tearing your clothes, and probably leaving black streak marks on your whites is because of the front seal, being broken. That is a felt seal, that has to be glued on, with a high temp glue. If you are handy, you could do this. It just takes a little time and patience. Tom

[denman]

Here is the link to your parts breakdown
Maytag SDE4000AYW Parts List

Note: it is for a 4000 not a 40000

If you click on the part number (blue print) often another page will open, scroll down and there may be help from others who have used this part.

While you have it opened up you might as well give it a good cleaning and check all moving parts/glides etc. Also a good idea to clean and check your vent system.