How to replace a foamed-in-place door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator
This DIY repair guide and video shows you how to replace a foamed-in door gasket in a refrigerator. This gasket fits into the gap between the inner and outer panels around the edge of the door on a side-by-side refrigerator. The inner and outer door panels are joined with adhesive, insulating foam.
The door gasket, often called a door seal, seals the gap around the door to keep the cold air in and the warm air out. Signs that the refrigerator gasket needs to be replaced include excessive frost buildup and reduced cooling. Replace the gasket if it’s worn, cracked or torn.
This repair procedure works for replacing refrigerator and freezer door gaskets in many Kenmore, Whirlpool, Crosley and Amana refrigerators.
If you have a different type of refrigerator, check out these repair guides and videos:
How to replace a side-by-side foamed in door gasket
Instructions
- 01.
Remove creases in the new door gasket
To smooth creases and folds in the gasket, soak it in warm water and dry with a towel. Or carefully warm it with a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting.
Be careful not to melt the gasket.
Tip: Heating some door gaskets causes them to expand. Allow the gasket to cool before installation if it seems too big for the door after heating.
PHOTO: Smooth creases on the new door gasket.
- 02.
Remove the refrigerator door gasket
First, turn off or unplug the refrigerator, or shut off the circuit breaker for the refrigerator.
Pull the gasket out from the gap between the inner and outer door panels. Starting at a spot halfway down the side of the door is usually easiest. You may need to tug the gasket firmly to get the removal process started.
PHOTO: Remove the refrigerator door gasket.
- 03.
Clean the outside edge of the refrigerator door
Using a wet cloth, wipe any spills from the outside edge of the outer door panel.
Slide the edge of a putty knife through the gap between inner and outer door panels to remove any foam residue that clings to gasket mounting surfaces.
Don't insert the putty knife more than 1 inch into the inner door panel to avoid damaging insulation inside the door.
PHOTO: Clean the outside edge of the refrigerator door.
- 04.
Install the new gasket
Starting at the top of the door, work the new door gasket lip into the gap between the inner and outer door panels. Work your way down both sides of the door and across the bottom.
Check for loose spots and adjust the gasket as needed for a proper fit.
Spread a thin coat of petroleum jelly along the sealing surface of the door gasket to help the new gasket seal properly.
Close the door and check the fit. The door gasket should fit tightly against the cabinet and door with no gaps showing. Smooth out any creases that cause gaps between the gasket and cabinet.
Turn the refrigerator back on or restore power to the refrigerator.
PHOTO: Install the new gasket.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your refrigerators
Choose a symptom to see related refrigerator repairs.
Main causes: damaged door seal, faulty defrost sensor or bi-metal thermostat, broken defrost heater, bad defrost timer o…
Main causes: control board or cold control failure, broken compressor start relay, compressor motor failure, defrost tim…
Main causes: blocked vents, defrost system problems, evaporator fan failure, dirty condenser coils, bad sensors, condens…
Main causes: leaky door gasket, defrost system failure, evaporator fan not running, dirty condenser coils, condenser fan…
Main causes: jammed ice cubes, broken ice maker assembly, dirty water filter, kinked water line, bad water valve, freeze…
Main causes: blocked air vents, compressor problems, condenser or evaporator fan not working, control system failure, se…
Main causes: water valve leaking, frozen or broken defrost drain tube, overflowing drain pan, cracked water system tubin…
Things to do: clean condenser coils, replace the water filter, clean the interior, adjust doors to prevent air leaks, cl…
Most common repair guides to help fix your refrigerators
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your refrigerator.
How to replace a refrigerator water valve
Replace the water valve that feeds water to the ice maker and water dispenser if it no longer controls the flow of water…
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board
If the temperature in your refrigerator doesn't match the temperature you set, the problem could be the temperature cont…
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils
Help your refrigerator run more efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils. It's easy and takes just a few minutes.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your refrigerators
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your refrigerator.
No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
If your refrigerator's ice maker isn't producing as much ice as it should, or water is flowing poorly from the dispenser…