How to Fix the Seals on a Kenmore Refrigerator
Your Kenmore refrigerator door comes equipped with an inside rubber seal--also referred to as a gasket--to keep the inside of the refrigerator cool. When the seal becomes worn, old, or brittle, it can create seal gaps that cause leakage. A worn seal can become susceptible to constant running, shortening the lifespan of your Kenmore, and food can become spoiled if the seal cannot trap in enough cold air. Do-it-yourself seal replacement can be a quick and efficient job with the right parts and tools.
Step 1
Replace the refrigerator door seal with a new one. Check Kenmore’s product label beside the door’s seal because it generally gives its dimensions and measurements or product model number. If there is no product label, measure the door’s seal. Be sure to replace the old seal with the proper dimensions. Purchase a replacement seal from Kenmore's appliance repair department or appliance repair outlet.
Step 2
Locate the metal retainer attached around the door perimeter. Lift up the seal's inside edge and loosen the screws that lock into Kenmore's retainer. Do not remove the screws totally out, as they are needed to hold the door in place. Loosen only a few screws so you won’t have to spend too much time screwing them back. Allow the seal to slide out of place from behind the plastic line or the retainer. You may ease the seal out, but do not apply too much force or pressure.
Step 3
Slip the Kenmore’s door seal behind the plastic liner. Start maneuvering the replacement seal in the fridge’s top corners, working your way around the door retainer. Once the seal in place, close and open the door to check the alignment of the seal to make sure it is straight. Realign where needed. Re-tighten the screws.
Step 4
Inspect for gaps or if the seal is twisted. Use weather stripping tape to roll underneath, closing in the gap. If you cannot use weather stripping, apply a heated hand blow dryer (on a high heat setting), to mold the seal more effectively. Move the hand dryer back and forth over the deformed part of the seal, maintaining a distance of three to four inches between seal and blow dryer. Use your hands to reshape the seal as well.
