How to Change the Gasket Seal on a Whirlpool Freezer

Preparing for the Repair

• Turn off the freezer at the control panel to save electricity while removing and replacing the old gasket. Although you won't come into direct contact with electrical components, unplug the power cord as a safety measure. Depending on your model, an upright freezer door swings open, while a chest-style raises from the front. Place a plastic tarp or similar material over the open door to hold in the cold while you work. Use strips of duct tape to hold the covering on an upright Whirlpool.

Removing the Old Gasket

• Pull inward on one edge of the old gasket to locate and expose the screws holding it securely to the inner side of the freezer door. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the gasket in place, working your way around the perimeter of the gasket. Don't remove the screws; loosen them only far enough to remove the gasket. When all screws are loosened, use both hands to pull off the gasket from the freezer door.

Installing the New Gasket

• New freezer gaskets may be bent or kinked when removed from the packaging. Heat the gasket with a hair dryer to straighten the edges, if necessary. Line up the lip in the bottom edge of one corner of the gasket with the channel in the freezer door. Use the tip of a flat-head screwdriver to work the gasket lip gently into the channel. Use gentle pressure to avoid cutting or puncturing the gasket. As you work the new part into the channel, slip the lip under each screw as you reach it, then tighten the screw to hold the lip in place. Work your way clockwise around the door frame to tighten each screw.

Completing the Repair

• Check the four corners to ensure the gasket doesn't pucker in any spot. Once the gasket is in place, remove the tarp or other material covering the freezer door as well as any duct tape. Close the door and plug in the Whirlpool. You can now turn on the freezer at the control panel and adjust the temperature setting, if necessary.