How to Install a Gasket on a GE Refrigerator

Changing a gasket on a GE refrigerator can be a frustrating experience. The overall process is not complex, nor does it involve a great number of steps, but a certain amount of technique is required to make things go smoothly. Installing a new gasket will not be an easy process, so be prepared to spend some time with your refrigerator open and not cooling. You may want to move some food to another refrigerator or a cooler.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Quarter-inch nut-driver
• Flat screwdriver
• Scraper
• Five-sixteenths nut-driver
• Three-eighths nut-driver
• Torx screwdriver set
• Three-eighths wrench

Instructions

1. Remove the door from the refrigerator.

   Use a Phillips screwdriver to undo the screw in the hinge cap at the top of the refrigerator. Set the cap to the side. The hinge will be held on with three bolts. The bolts will be five-sixteenths, three-eights, or Torx-headed depending on which model you have. Remove the bolts from the hinge and place the hinge to the side. The door is now free to pick up and remove from the refrigerator.

   Note: Use a three-eighths wrench to undo the fresh-food hinge bolt if you are changing the gasket on a top-mount style refrigerator.

2. Lay the door down on a high, flat surface like a table or large counter. Let the handle hang off of the edge so that the door will sit flat.

   The old gasket will be attached in one of two ways: with Phillips or quarter-inch screws, or by a fitting beneath the lip of the inner door panel. Remove the screws if the first is true; simply loosen the panel screws a turn or two if the second is true. Pull the gasket out and away from the door.

3. Install the new gasket by reversing the process above. Use a flat screwdriver or scraper to lead the edge of the gasket beneath the lip of the inner panel. This is the most difficult part, and may require multiple people to help hold the gasket in place. Some gaskets only have to be pushed into the door panel until they snap into place.

   Reinstall or re-tighten the screws, depending on what style gasket you have.

4. Replace the door on the refrigerator by setting the door on the bottom hinge and re-installing the top hinge. Check to see that the gasket is sealing well once the door is in place. The gasket should not drag or crumple up at any location on the door.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a hair-dryer or heat gun to help soften the gasket once the door is in place. This will help the gasket relax into position. Don't heat any one area for too long or you may damage the door.

• The door can be heavy and unwieldy. Two people may be required to hold it and move it around once it is free from the hinges.

References

• Larry Harding, Professional Appliance Technician