How to replace GE freezer door lower hinge bushing WR01X10234

Is your GE refrigerator’s freezer door becoming a nuisance by not closing properly? A worn-out lower hinge bushing could be to blame, leading to a sagging or loose door. Worry not, as we’ve got a simple solution and a how-to video just below to guide you through fixing this common problem, bringing smooth functionality back to your freezer door.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

If the freezer door on your GE refrigerator is loose, sagging or closing unevenly, the culprit may be a worn-out lower hinge bushing. This part acts as a bearing to allow the heavy door to swing smoothly.

You can find a replacement lower hinge bushing here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE refrigerator, 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 the full repair here

Why would I need to replace the lower hinge bushing?

The lower hinge bushing sits at the base of the freezer door and provides a low-friction surface for the door hinge pin to pivot within. This allows the large, heavy door to swing open and close smoothly and evenly.

Over time, this bushing can wear out from the repeated movement and weight load. A failing bushing will cause the door to sag downward or move too freely from side to side. Replacing the bushing part can help prevent further damage to the hinge and door.

What you need

• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Small flathead screwdriver
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Duct tape
• Replacement lower hinge bushing

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance 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 see and access appliance 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 appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• 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.
• 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.

How to replace the lower hinge bushing

Follow these steps to change out a faulty lower hinge bushing on a GE freezer.

Step 1: Remove the toe grille

1. Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet.
2. Open both the refrigerator and freezer doors to access the base grille area. Remove any contents that may block access.
3. Find the two Phillips head screws — one on each side — that secure the plastic toe grille to the cabinet.
4. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unthread and remove both screws. Set them aside in a safe place.
5. Grasp the grille and pull it outward to detach it from the refrigerator body. Set it aside.

Step 2: Disconnect the water line

Before removing the freezer door, you’ll need to disconnect the water tube that runs up into the door.

1. Find the water tube clip next to the base grille area. Follow it upward to find the tube connection point.
2. Use the small flathead screwdriver to depress the locking tab on the electrical harness connector, then unplug the connector.
3. Get a towel ready to catch any water leaks.
4. Press the collar inward on the water tube coupler while pulling out the tubing. Detach the water line.
5. Position the towel to absorb any residual dripping.

Step 3: Remove the freezer door

1. Tape the freezer door temporarily to the face of the refrigerator cabinet with duct tape. This will help support it when it’s detached from the hinges.
2. Use the 5/16-inch nut driver to remove the two screws from the upper door hinge bracket.
3. Lift the bracket straight up to detach it.
4. Carefully peel back just the top portion of the duct tape while leaving the bottom still attached. This will allow you to tilt the door outward.
5. Open the freezer door about halfway. Lift it up slightly to detach it from the lower hinge pin, then set the door aside.

Step 4: Remove the old hinge bushing

With the door removed, you now have access to the lower hinge area.

1. Look over the hinge and find the round plastic bushing insert. This old, worn bushing will be replaced.
2. Take the small flathead screwdriver and insert it into the seam between the bushing and hinge bracket. Then carefully pry up to pop out the old bushing.
3. Remove any adhesive residue or buildup from the empty bushing cavity. Clean the area completely.

Read more: What Temperature Should A Refrigerator Be Set To?

Step 5: Install the new bushing

1. Look over the new GE plastic bushing. Note the notch on one side that aligns with a tab in the hinge cavity.
2. Orient the new bushing accordingly and insert the water tube and harness into the notch opening.
3. Press the new bushing firmly into the hinge cavity until it’s fully seated. You may need to gently tap it with a mallet.
4. Make sure the bushing is properly aligned and sits flush within the hinge bracket.

Step 6: Replace the freezer door

1. Have an assistant hold the door in place while you insert the water tube and harness into the opening at the base of the door.
2. Align the holes in the hinges and loosely attach the upper hinge bracket with the two screws. Don’t fully tighten them yet.
3. Adjust the door position as needed so it’s flush. Tighten both upper hinge screws completely with the nut driver.
4. Carefully peel off the duct tape from the freezer door.

Step 7: Reconnect the water line

1. Insert the water tube end firmly into the coupler until it clicks and locks into place. Tug it gently to make sure it’s engaged.
2. Reconnect the electrical harness plug by pressing it into the base receptacle until it latches.

Step 8: Replace the toe grille

1. Align the toe grille at the base of the refrigerator and place the water tube and harness inside it.
2. Press the grille back into place so the tabs are inserted into the slots.
3. Use the Phillips screwdriver to rethread and tighten both Phillips screws to secure the toe grille.

Read more: How To Deep Clean Your Refrigerator

More information

We hope this guide helped you replace the freezer door lower hinge bushing in your GE refrigerator.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over 2 million parts and most orders arrive in 2-3 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.

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