Maytag Refrigerator: broken hinge

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag refrigerator door sagging or not closing properly? A broken hinge may be the culprit, causing misalignment and difficulty in operation. This issue can arise from a damaged hinge, worn hinge cams, or loose mounting screws. Identifying and addressing these problems early can help restore your refrigerator's functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag uses specific hinge cams/thimbles and hinge assemblies that may differ by model; use OEM parts for proper fit.

Possible Causes

Damaged or broken door hinge

How to Identify: Visible crack, bent hinge, door sagging, uneven gap between door and cabinet; door won’t stay aligned.

Part: Door hinge assembly (top or bottom hinge)

Worn or broken hinge cams/thimbles

How to Identify: Door doesn’t pivot smoothly; clicking or irregular movement of the door pivot point.

Part: Hinge cam or thimble

Loose hinge mounting screws

How to Identify: Door alignment issues but hinge parts intact; screws visibly loose.

Part: Hinge mounting screws

DIY Solutions

Tighten or Reset Hinge and Mounting Screws

Moderate 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket/wrench set
  1. Open the door and support it with your hand.
  2. Locate hinge mounting screws at top and bottom.
  3. Using appropriate driver/wrench, tighten all loose screws securing hinge to cabinet and door.
  4. If hinge has shifted, loosen screws slightly, realign door so it sits flush, then retighten screws.
  5. Test door movement for smooth operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure door is supported while adjusting to prevent abrupt drops.

Replace Broken Hinge or Hinge Cams

Advanced 45-90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket/wrench set, replacement hinge or cam parts
  1. Unplug refrigerator for safety.
  2. Remove refrigerator contents and support door.
  3. Remove hinge covers if present.
  4. Unscrew and remove hinge with broken part (top or bottom).
  5. Install new OEM hinge or hinge cam/thimble in correct orientation.
  6. Reattach door and test alignment and swing before tightening fully.
  7. Verify smooth operation and proper seal.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power to avoid injury.

Professional Repairs

Full Hinge Assembly Replacement by Technician

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Door is severely bent or broken beyond DIY fix
Hinge repair requires removal of heavy doors and precise alignment
Multiple hinges or structural fridge frame damage

Preventive Maintenance

  • Periodically check hinge screws and tighten if loose: Sags or misalignment from loose hardware
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Refrigerator broken hinge?
The hinge may be damaged, worn, or loose, affecting door alignment and operation.
How do I fix Maytag Refrigerator broken hinge myself?
Tighten hinge screws or replace the hinge and cams; ensure safety by unplugging the fridge.
How much does it cost to fix broken hinge?
Professional repairs for a full hinge assembly replacement range from $80 to $250.
When should I call a technician for broken hinge?
Call a technician if DIY repairs are too complex or if the issue persists after attempting fixes.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

85%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Wear and tear on the plastic hinge pin due to frequent use
  • Improper installation or alignment of the deli drawer lid
  • Excessive weight on the deli drawer lid causing stress on the hinge

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Remove the broken hinge pin by lifting the deli drawer lid. Insert the new hinge pin into the designated hole and ensure it is securely in place. Test the lid for proper operation.

  2. Realign the deli drawer lid by adjusting its position on the hinge. Ensure that it sits evenly and does not rub against any other parts of the refrigerator.

  3. Reduce the weight placed on the deli drawer lid to prevent future breakage. Consider removing heavy items and redistributing weight to other shelves.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag MFI2570FEZ bottom-mount fridge: found the necessary p...

Community Discussions

broken plastic hinge pin for deli drawer lid

Replacement part found and a video tutorial available for repair.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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