November 23, 2020

How to replace a press-in door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator

How to replace a press-in door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator

This DIY repair guide and video shows you how to replace a refrigerator door gasket that presses into a groove around the edge of the door on a side-by-side refrigerator.

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, Frigidaire, LG and Samsung refrigerators.

If you have a different type of refrigerator, check out these repair guides and videos:

Quick links
Tools required
Hair dryer or heat gun
Petroleum jelly
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a press-in door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator

How to replace a press-in door gasket in a side-by-side refrigerator

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Remove creases in the new door gasket

    To smooth creases and folds in the door 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: Remove creases in the new door gasket.

    PHOTO: Remove creases in the new door gasket.

  2. 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 of the track. Starting at one of the corners is usually easiest. You may need to tug the gasket firmly to get the removal process started. If you have a difficult time starting at a corner, pull the gasket out starting in a spot halfway down the side of the door.

    Once you get the removal process started, you should be able to pull the gasket out fairly easily.

    PHOTO: Remove the refrigerator door gasket.

    PHOTO: Remove the refrigerator door gasket.

  3. 03.

    Clean the track in the refrigerator door

    Using a wet cloth, wipe any spills from inside and around the track.

    Cleaning the track will ensure that the new gasket fits easily in the track and seals the door properly.

    PHOTO: Clean the door gasket track.

    PHOTO: Clean the door gasket track.

  4. 04.

    Install the new gasket

    Starting at the top of the door, work the new door gasket into the track. 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. Push the door gasket further into the track to eliminate gaps.

    Turn the refrigerator back on or restore power to the refrigerator.

    PHOTO: Install the new door gasket.

    PHOTO: Install the new door gasket.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Don’t proceed until you’re confident that you understand all the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

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

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…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a refrigerator temperature control board

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…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to clean refrigerator condenser coils

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.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

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.

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

How to Replace the Water Filter in a Maytag Refrigerator

No matter what style Maytag refrigerator you have, we can walk you through replacing the water filter.…

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems

How to prevent water dispenser and ice maker problems

If your refrigerator's ice maker isn't producing as much ice as it should, or water is flowing poorly from the dispenser…