How to Troubleshoot & Replace Ge AP4344491 / WR02X12499 Fan

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 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 

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 

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. 

I replaced the evaporator fan. 

I called Appliance Parts Pros. This was my first time calling. The parts arrived when expected and customer service (lowindad@appliancepartspros.com) was absolutely wonderful! Thanks. I will certainly use you company again. 

By watching 3 different video's the actual job to get to motor in freezer was 20 minutes. This is done by removing ice machine, shelf, plastic cover over motor (plastic snap on - be care-full removing). The four screws hold entire back plate , which when remove exposes fan motor. Then remove two screw on bracken attached to back plate. Remove ground screw and now you can remove entire motor on bracket. Remove two screws on bracket and motor is out. Here the problem, when you order the motor, you will also have to order the fan & clamp parts. Reason and video's do not reveal this problem, the clamp is epoxy on to fan. You have to remove these parts even thought you order new ones, to get off the top half of bracket. I tried removing epoxy from clamp and fan and the portion of fan crack. Once epoxy is removed the fan slides right off like the video's show. Important, save two rubber gaskets which one goes below motor on to bracket and the other goes on motor under fan. Attached top bracket part onto to motor and then fan and clamp. Make sure clamp is secured fully on fan. Entire clamp should be secure. You do not need epoxy or glue to hold down. Reattached reversing above directions. 

Removed freezer shelf, removed back panel, unplugged fan motor, removed fan motor from bracket, replaced plastic prop on motor shaft, reassembled. Had to straighten out bracket since it was bent out of shape (probably why it was noisy). Shaft on old motor did not turn freely. Used 1/4" socket and ratchet to remove screws (very tight). Used philips screwdriver to reassemble.