How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP6004451 / WR60X26085 Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Motor

I found an exploded drawing and part list on the manufacturer's site. I ordered new fan parts from APP because of the low prices and fast shipping. We have a standard size top freezer GE refrigerator. Four screws hold the back panel (inside the freezer) in place. After removing the screws the panel comes off easily. The single wiring harness connector comes off with a squeeze. At this point you can take the panel out of the freezer and change the motor and fan on a more convenient work surface. To access the fan bracket screws the plastic duct piece must be removed from the front of the panel. Be careful not to break the fragile plastic tabs on this piece. Remove the brackets holding the fan motor and replace the motor. Be careful not to lose the rubber bushings supporting the fan motor. Next time I will order those too. Reassembly is the reverse. We now have a quiet freezer. 

The covering of the fan was removed and it could be seen that the fan was not turning easily. So the part was ordered. THe old fan was removed along with the motor, and the new motor and fan inserted. 

Replaced the Evaporator Fan 

Replaced fan motor with a new one including new fan blade and clamp, fridge now runs quieter than ever before even on day 1 Replaced broken left drawer guide with a new one 

Myself. All I needed was a Phillip screwdriver. 

Looking at the motor (Fan Shaft) after trying to lube with non grease spray, noticed the shaft wobbly. Meaning too much play moving up down left and right. Ordered the motor and fan, replaced it (very easy to do). Whole job took 20 mins from start to finish. 

I replaced the motor, fan and fan clamp. The fan clamp was a little tricky getting on but not bad. It took longer to empty freezer and refill it than it took to do the job (very easy). 

Replaced Motor 

Upon disassembly, the source of the noisy operation became evident: the bearing on which the motor shaft rides was shot, which allowed the motor shaft to wobble in an eccentric manner, causing the noisy operation. An on-line search led me to AppliancePartsPros.com and after entering the make and model of the refrigerator, I was able to find the replacement motor by scrolling through the exploded view of the freezer evaporator fan. That exploded view is very helpful when re-assembling the new motor to the frame which mounts it to the shroud. The parts came exceedingly fast and the re-assembly went off without a hitch. Note: Remember to reattach the green grounding wire from the harness to the bare metal part of the assembly for electrical safety. 

Looked at parts needed, ordered, removed what I believed to be faulty and reassembled. The evaporator fan and parts were delivered the next day. Called to get help with where to reattach what I believed to be a ground wire. After a 12 minute wait a consultant gave me the direction I needed. Again the do it yourself experience was a great experience for a 75 year old retired school teacher, even while my wife was yelling that I was thawing the food from the freezer. That he could not help.