How to replace the freezer drawer slide on a Whirlpool refrigerator

Is your Whirlpool freezer slide sticking or rusted, making it a hassle to open and close the drawer? The problem could be a worn-out freezer drawer slide, letting warm air in and causing unwanted frost build-up. Fear not, because our step-by-step guide and video tutorial below will walk you through a quick and easy replacement, getting your refrigerator back on track in no time!

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The freezer drawer slide on a Whirlpool refrigerator is responsible for allowing the freezer door and the lower drawer to slide in and out smoothly. It is equipped with a latch that ensures a tight door seal, preventing incomplete door closing and the entry of warm air, which can cause frost build-up inside the freezer. Over time, the freezer drawer slide may become rusted or difficult to open and close.

The good news is that this repair is relatively straightforward and should only take a few minutes to complete, making it an easy and cost-effective solution. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to replace the freezer drawer slide and have your refrigerator working again in no time.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVGdfx4VQNY

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

• 1/4″ nut driver
• Power drill with 1/8″ drill bit
• Flathead screwdriver
• Rivet gun with 1/8″ rivet

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Don’t test wiring with a multimeter for live voltage if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short circuiting when testing. 
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 

Replacement steps

Removal

1. Open the freezer door. Using a quarter inch nut driver remove the four screws that hold the freezer door on.
2. Lift the freezer door out and remove it.
3. Remove the bottom drawer.
4. Open the two tabs on the drawer bracket and remove the bracket.
5. Push the connecting rod to the left inside the longer gear to free the opposite end, and remove the rod.
6. Put the right-side slide out of the way.
7. Use a power drill with a 1/8 inch drill bit to drill out the old rivet.
8. Remove the drawer support bracket by lifting the front and releasing the rear end.
9. Press the locking tab with a large flat blade screwdriver to pull out the old drawer slide.
10. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry out the gear from the old slide.

Installation

1. Install the new freezer drawer slide by pushing it back and allowing it to lock into place.
2. Pull out the slide to make sure it is fully extended.
3. Snap the gear onto the new drawer slide, making sure the bottom is on the first notch of the support rail.
4. Install the drawer support by first securing the rear end and then the front using a rivet gun and a 1/8 inch rivet.
5. Secure the support of the drawer slide.
6. Install the drawer bracket, making sure both tabs are locked.
7. Pull both drawer slides out.
8. Start the connecting rod by inserting the left side into the longer gear first.
9. Make sure both sides of the connecting rod are fully extended, or the door won’t close evenly.
10. Install the drawer.
11. Install the door back onto the four screws.
12. Tighten the four screws using the nut driver.
13. Close the freezer door. Plug in the fridge and check that it starts cooling.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the freezer drawer slide on your Whirlpool refrigerator. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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