Whirlpool LGR7620LW0 Gas Dryer. Metal piece? found in exhaust

[BillHammer]

Was cleaning the lint out of the dryer exhaust and vacuuming dust and lint from the dryer overall. Pulled the vent tube from the bottom of the dryer, stuck the shop vac in the exhaust outlet tube and found this (see link to picture) down there. It broke off of something, but who knows what. I took the back off the dryer and poked around and nothing seems amiss or sagging.

There must be another "stem" at the other end, it broke off there too, but I can't find it. Very brittle.. Dryer seems to still work fine, heats up and runs and makes no odd noises, but this thing had to do something.. What could it be, and do I need to replace it?

Thanks,

BillHammer

[sh2sh2]

Dosent look like any part from that dryer that I have ever seen

[AlboGator]

1 hour ago, sh2sh2 said:

Dosent look like any part from that dryer that I have ever seen

Agreed

[BillHammer]

Hmm.. Ok, thanks. Can't imagine how it could have gotten in there, but stranger things have happened.

[AlboGator]

Anyone in the house do stained glass? It kinda looks like a lead bead from a stained glass class.

[Thirstytech]

Maybe something they were using to try and clean the dryer duct with? 

[smee123]

Might have been brought by a bird making a nest...