How to replace Whirlpool fridge end cap kit W10874836

Is your fridge pantry drawer acting more like a stubborn gate than a smooth glider? Don’t let a worn-out end cap kit throw a wrench in your kitchen efficiency. Dive into our step-by-step guide below, complete with a handy how-to video, and get the pantry drawer back on its track in no time!

Modern fridges have all sorts of options to store and organize food items. The fridge pantry drawer is one of these features that’s found at the bottom of the fresh food (crisper) section.

The pantry drawer has a frame, drawer, lid, and sliding mechanism on the side rails. When everything’s working as it should, the pantry opens and closes smoothly with no effort at all. The drawer lid also has pins that attach to the side end caps. Over time, the sliding mechanisms and pins can start to wear down.

If your pantry drawer isn’t opening smoothly or won’t stay closed, it typically means there’s an issue with the end cap kit, which is also known as the refrigerator drawer support. The kit prevents items from falling out of the fridge and also stops the door from sliding out.

If you’re having issues with the drawer, the kit may need to be replaced.

You can find a replacement end cap kit W10874836 here. If you need other replacement parts for your fridge, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

WATCH: How to replace refrigerator end caps

What you need

• 1/4 inch nut driver
• Flat blade screwdriver
• End cap kit part number W10874836 (make sure it’s compatible with your fridge model)

READ MORE: 8 DIY Safety Tips

Keep safety first

Before you start any repair work on your appliance, safety should be your top priority.

• Always power off and unplug your fridge or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the fridge has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access fridge parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your fridge or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the fridge or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

READ MORE: 4 Simple Ways to Reduce Kitchen Waste

Replacement instructions

Step 1 – Remove interior refrigerator parts

1. Open the fresh food doors.
2. Pull out the crisper pans.
3. Lift out the glass shelf.
4. Remove the crisper shelf frame.
5. Pull out the pantry drawer and lift up slightly to remove it.
6. Carefully slide the glass shelf forward and out.
7. Lift up the narrow support bar to remove it.

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Step 2 – Remove the faulty end cap kit

1. Press in the right hinge pin while sliding the pantry lid off the pin.
2. Pull the lid off the left hinge pin.
3. Use the 1/4 in nut driver to remove the 2 screws holding the rails and 2 screws holding the right side end cap.
4. Lift up on the right side end cap and pull it out to remove it.
5. The right side end cap has a slider that is connected to the back with a tab. Carefully pry its connecting tabs and bracket loose.
6. To detach the slider mechanism from the right side end cap, use a flat blade screwdriver to press the little round knob, then pull on the slider to release it.
7. Release the tabs holding the slider on.
8. Turn the slider to slide it out of the end cap.
9. Press the 3 tabs on the right end cap kit, slide down the rod, and disconnect it from the end cap.
10. Push in on the locking tab and remove the slider.
11. Use the 1/4 in nut driver to remove the 2 screws holding the rails and 2 screws holding the left side end cap.
12. Lift up and pull out the left side end cap.

READ MORE: Pantry Organization: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 3 – Install the replacement end cap kit

1. Reinstall the sliding mechanism on the right end cap.
2. Align the tabs and connecting rods.
3. Install the right end cap.
4. Align and screw down the left end cap.
5. Position the new drawer rails and replace the screws.
6. Carefully line up and hinge the pantry door.
7. Replace the narrow support bar.
8. Slide the glass shelf back into position.

READ MORE: 7 Space-Saving Tips For Small Kitchens

Step 4 – Replace shelves and drawer

1. Push the pantry drawer in all the way.
2. Check that the door glides well and shuts properly.
3. Return the crisper frame, glass shelf, and crisper pans to their positions.

READ MORE: How To Clean Refrigerator Coils 

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the end cap kit in 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.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common refrigerator problems here.

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