Kenmore Refrigerator: broken hinge clip

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore refrigerator door sagging or misaligned? A broken hinge clip can prevent proper closure and lead to inefficiencies. This essential component secures the door, and if it's damaged or missing, it can cause significant issues. Regular wear and tear or loose screws can contribute to this problem, making it crucial to address promptly for optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Possible Causes

Wear and tear on door hinge components

How to Identify: Visible damage, the door droops or doesn’t align properly when opening/closing

Part: Door hinge, hinge clip, cam or bearing

Broken or missing hinge clip/bushing

How to Identify: Physical breakage of the plastic or metal hinge clip; door does not stay on hinge properly

Part: Hinge clip or bushing

Loose hinge screws causing component stress

How to Identify: Hinges feel loose on touch; screws are visibly backed out

Part: Hinge screws and mounting points

Preventive Maintenance

  • Lubricate hinges and inspect annually: excessive wear leading to clip/hardware failure
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Refrigerator broken hinge clip?
The hinge clip may be damaged due to wear and tear, or screws could be loose, causing stress.
How do I fix Kenmore Refrigerator broken hinge clip myself?
Currently, there are no DIY solutions recommended for this issue.
How much does it cost to fix broken hinge clip?
Professional repair costs may vary; consult a technician for an estimate.
When should I call a technician for broken hinge clip?
If the door misalignment affects cooling or you're unable to secure it, it's time to call a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Wear and tear from frequent use leading to plastic fatigue
  • Improper installation or alignment of the door causing excessive stress on the hinge clip
  • Environmental factors such as humidity causing corrosion or brittleness of the hinge clip

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the broken hinge clip. 1) Unplug the refrigerator. 2) Remove the door by unscrewing the hinge screws. 3) Replace the broken clip with a new one. 4) Reattach the door and ensure proper alignment. 5) Plug the refrigerator back in.

  2. Realign the door to reduce stress on the hinge clip. 1) Check the door alignment. 2) Adjust the hinge screws slightly to align the door. 3) Test the door movement and ensure it opens and closes smoothly.

  3. Replace the entire mullion if the hinge clip is irreparable. 1) Unplug the refrigerator. 2) Remove the door and any components blocking access to the mullion. 3) Unscrew and remove the damaged mullion. 4) Install the new mullion and reassemble the components. 5) Reattach the door and plug the refrigerator back in.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Kenmore fridge hinge clip broken

Community Discussions

hinge clip broken, hinge flap gets stuck

Replace the whole mullion if the clip is broken.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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