How to Fix a Drum in an Ice Maker Bucket

The drum of an ice maker bucket is critical to the ice assembly's operation. The drum helps operate the cutting blades along the bucket's auger shaft. Over time, the drum can become faulty and break down. You can replace the drum within the bucket as a less expensive alternative to replacing the bucket assembly altogether. You will not require professional experience to fix your ice maker bucket's drum.

1/4-inch hex screwdriver
Flat-head screwdriver
Replacement drum
Adjustable wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Open the freezer door and find the metal sensor arm on the top left of the ice maker assembly. Push up this arm to shut off the ice maker.
- 2
  Remove the ice bucket, or bin, from the freezer by sliding it out.
- 3
  Use a 1/4-inch hex screwdriver to remove the five or six screws on the bucket's front cover. The number will differ depending on your exact ice maker model.
- 4
  Pull the front cover off the ice maker bucket.
- 5
  Remove the two 1/4-inch screws from the inside of the drum now that you can access it.
- 6
  Remove the two 1/4-inch screws from the outside of the drum.
- 7
  Turn the bucket over and remove the single 1/4-inch screw that holds the metal actuator arm to the bottom of the bucket. Pull off the arm with your hands once the screw has been removed.
- 8
  Slide the housing off the drum. This will reveal the auger shaft, which appears as a metal coil.
- 9
  Remove the E-ring from the end of the auger shaft using a flat-head screwdriver. Use the tip of the screwdriver to pop the metal E-ring off its groove. Slide off the washer underneath the E-ring.
- 10
  Remove the auger shaft assembly from the front housing by sliding it away from the plastic piece the E-ring was inserted into.
- 11
  Use an adjustable wrench to remove the nylon nut on the end of the auger shaft. Twist the nut counterclockwise to slide it off, then use your fingers to slide off the series of washers and cutter arms from the shaft.
- 12
  Slide the plastic cover off the end of the drum using your hands.
- 13
  Remove the drum, which is the circular wheel on the auger shaft coil. Slide it off with your hands.
- 14
  Slide the flat washer that comes with your replacement drum onto the auger shaft first.
- 15
  Slide the replacement drum onto the auger shaft, ensuring the recessed side goes on first.
- 16
  Follow your disassembly steps in reverse to reinstall the additional components onto the auger shaft and to reinstall the bucket housing over the shaft.
- 17
  Reinsert the bin into your freezer the same way it came out. Flip down the metal sensor bar within the ice maker to turn it back on.

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