How to replace Whirlpool fridge ice dispenser yoke WP63052-2

Tired of your Whirlpool refrigerator’s ice dispenser misbehaving? A malfunctioning ice dispenser yoke, also known as the ice auger drive bar, is a common culprit that could be to blame. Fear not, because fixing this annoying issue is a breeze with our step-by-step guide and handy how-to video just below!

Unfortunately, the moving parts inside a refrigerator that produce and dispense ice can wear down with regular use over time. One of these parts is the ice dispenser yoke (also known as the ice auger drive bar), which powers the rotation of the auger to move ice in the ice bucket. When this part fails, your ice maker and ice dispenser may no longer work properly.

The good news is that replacing an ice dispenser yoke is generally an easy project that should only take about 30 minutes with a few basic household tools. Not only will a new yoke get your ice maker working like new again, but fixing it yourself will save you time and money.

You can find a replacement ice dispenser yoke WP63052-2 here. If you need other replacement parts for your Whirlpool 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

What is the ice dispenser yoke & what happens when it fails?

The ice auger drive bar/ice dispenser yoke in your Whirlpool fridge houses the ice dispensing mechanism and guides ice from the ice bucket into the chute when the user activates it.

An ice dispenser yoke can fail if it has worn gears or parts. Broken pieces or cracks in the yoke itself can also prevent ice from being dispensed.

Symptoms of a bad ice dispenser yoke include:

• Ice jamming or failing to dispense from the refrigerator door
• Chunky or uneven pieces of dispensed ice
• Grinding or sticking sounds coming from the ice dispensing area
• The dispenser mechanism isn’t activating or operating as intended

What you need

• Short stubby screwdriver
• Long flathead screwdriver
• Regular flathead screwdriver
• Replacement ice dispenser yoke (ice auger drive bar) 

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety 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 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 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 clearly 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.
• 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: Refrigerator Won’t Dispense Ice: Top 6 Reasons and Fixes for Kenmore, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, and Other Brands

How to replace the ice dispenser yoke

1. Open the freezer door and remove the ice container by pressing the release button and pulling it up and out. Set it aside.
2. Remove the ice maker cover by inserting a screwdriver into the hole at an upward angle and pressing down to release the locking tab.
3. Pull the cover off and set it aside.
4. Release the ice maker by pulling out the locking tab at the front and pulling it out slightly for slack in the wiring harness.
5. Separate the wiring harness by using a long flathead screwdriver to press the release tab.
6. Carefully pull the entire ice maker assembly out of the refrigerator and set it on a towel or other padded surface.
7. Remove the old ice dispenser yoke located on the back of the removed ice maker assembly by turning it clockwise (it’s reverse threaded) and unscrewing it.
8. Screw the new ice dispenser yoke on counterclockwise and tighten it with a screwdriver. Don’t overtighten it and make sure the washer is still on the shaft before you install it.
9. Reinstall the ice maker assembly with the new yoke by lining up the rails and pushing it into place.
10. Reconnect the wiring harness.
11. Insert the ice maker.
12. Reinstall the cover by lining it up and pushing it into the locked position.
13. Reinsert the ice container.
14. Close the refrigerator door.
15. Plug the refrigerator back in, turn the water supply back on and give the fridge a few hours to produce ice.

Read more: Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Making Ice: Top 3 Reasons and Fixes For Kenmore, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, and Other Brands (With Video!) 

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the ice dispenser yoke 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.

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 fridge problems here.

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