LG Refrigerator Door Stopper Assembly Replacement: A Quick Fix Guide

Updated at: 02/02/2025

Is your LG refrigerator door refusing to stay closed properly? A faulty door stopper assembly is a common culprit, leading to frustrating leaks, wasted energy, and potentially spoiled food. This often-overlooked component plays a crucial role in maintaining a tight seal, ensuring your refrigerator operates efficiently and keeps your groceries fresh. A broken or worn-out stopper assembly can be easily replaced, saving you the cost of a professional repair and restoring your refrigerator's performance in a short amount of time. Fortunately, this seemingly complex repair is surprisingly straightforward.

This quick-fix guide will walk you through the simple process of replacing your LG refrigerator's door stopper assembly, step-by-step. We'll cover everything from identifying the faulty part to installing the new one, ensuring a complete and efficient repair. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a complete beginner, follow along as we provide clear instructions and helpful tips to get your refrigerator back in perfect working order.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Flat blade screwdriver
  • Duct tape
Safety Guidelines
  • Always unplug the refrigerator from the power source before starting any repair work. Failure to do so could result in electric shock.
  • Be careful when handling the old and new door stopper assembly parts. Some components may be sharp or contain small parts that could be easily lost.
  • Refer to your refrigerator's owner's manual for specific instructions and diagrams. Improper installation may damage the refrigerator or void the warranty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Refrigerator Door

    • Remove the upper hinge from the top of the refrigerator.
    • Remove the cover over the hinge using a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw.
    • Secure the refrigerator door with duct tape to prevent it from swinging while working.
    • Disconnect the electrical plug from the refrigerator door.
    Disconnect the electrical plug from the refrigerator door.Disconnect the electrical plug from the refrigerator door.Disconnect the electrical plug from the refrigerator door.
    Prepare the Refrigerator Door
    • Turn the door lock clockwise and release it.
    • Use a flat blade screwdriver to pry off the bottom hinge.
    • Remove the duct tape from the door and carefully remove the door from the refrigerator, ensuring all shelves are emptied beforehand.
    Remove the duct tape from the door and carefully remove the door from the refrigerator, ensuring all shelves are emptied beforehand.Remove the duct tape from the door and carefully remove the door from the refrigerator, ensuring all shelves are emptied beforehand.Remove the duct tape from the door and carefully remove the door from the refrigerator, ensuring all shelves are emptied beforehand.
    Prepare the Refrigerator Door

  2. Replace the Door Stopper Assembly

    • Remove the old door stopper assembly by unscrewing the two Phillips screws holding it in place.
    • Slide the new door stopper assembly into the opening, align the holes, and secure it with the Phillips screws.
    Slide the new door stopper assembly into the opening, align the holes, and secure it with the Phillips screws.Slide the new door stopper assembly into the opening, align the holes, and secure it with the Phillips screws.
    Replace the Door Stopper Assembly

  3. Reassemble the Refrigerator Door

    • Carefully lift the door and place it back onto the bottom hinge (it may be helpful to have someone assist).
    • Replace the duct tape for added support, if needed.
    • Reinstall the upper hinge and secure it.
    • Install the hinge lock, plug in the door harness, and install the cover, ensuring the harness is inside the hinge.
    Install the hinge lock, plug in the door harness, and install the cover, ensuring the harness is inside the hinge.Install the hinge lock, plug in the door harness, and install the cover, ensuring the harness is inside the hinge.Install the hinge lock, plug in the door harness, and install the cover, ensuring the harness is inside the hinge.
    Reassemble the Refrigerator Door
    • Secure the cover with the Phillips screw.
    • Remove the duct tape, plug the refrigerator back in, and verify that it is cooling properly.
    Remove the duct tape, plug the refrigerator back in, and verify that it is cooling properly.Remove the duct tape, plug the refrigerator back in, and verify that it is cooling properly.Remove the duct tape, plug the refrigerator back in, and verify that it is cooling properly.Remove the duct tape, plug the refrigerator back in, and verify that it is cooling properly.
    Reassemble the Refrigerator Door

Read more: 3M Thinsulate Window Film Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Always unplug the refrigerator or turn off the circuit breaker before starting any repair.
  • Empty all shelves from the refrigerator door before attempting removal.
  • Having someone assist with reinstalling the door can make the process easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Door Alignment

Reason: Forgetting to properly align the refrigerator door before securing the new stopper assembly can lead to an uneven closure and potential damage to the seal.
Solution: Carefully realign the door according to the manufacturer's instructions before tightening the stopper assembly screws.

2. Using the Wrong Size or Type of Stopper

Reason: Purchasing a replacement stopper that doesn't match the model or specifications of your refrigerator will result in a poor fit and ineffective door closure.
Solution: Verify compatibility by checking the model number of your refrigerator and comparing it to the replacement part's specifications before purchasing.

3. Over-tightening the Screws

Reason: Applying excessive force while tightening the screws can strip the threads or crack the plastic parts of the stopper assembly.
Solution: Tighten the screws firmly but avoid over-tightening; use a screwdriver that precisely fits the screw heads.

FAQs

My LG refrigerator door won't stay closed. Is replacing the door stopper assembly the only solution?
While a faulty door stopper is a common cause, other issues like warped door seals, misaligned hinges, or even a damaged door itself could be to blame. Check those first. If the door still doesn't close properly after inspecting those components, then replacing the stopper assembly is likely the next step.