Fitting door seal – any special requirements?

[IanMiles]

Hi all –
this is a simple query compared to many of those I’ve seen here!
We have a Liebherr refrigerator (KSDves4642 Index 24/001, Service no. 997 1627 00) whose door seal is beginning to rot.
UK Whitegoods can offer a replacement, hooray!
The query: does anyone have experience fitting these or similar door seals? Do we need special glue, special precautions? I am reluctant to order without being sure we will end up with a functioning fridge, and reluctant to detach the current seal for inspection for the same reason!
thanks in advance for any help
Ian

[johnsdad]

Re: Fitting door seal – any special requirements?

These gaskets usually come with service instructions. Basically you have to cut the old gasket off to reveal a groove into which the new gasket is inserted. Reasonably straightforward as long as the gasket has not been folded. By the way normally seals fail because sticky spillages are not cleaned off properly, or the door is being opened by grabbing the door edge (i.e. not using the handle), or maybe you’re just unlucky!

[IanMiles]

Re: Fitting door seal – any special requirements?

Thanks that’s very helpful!
The problem with the seal is almost certainly due to leakage.
But this is to my mind a design flaw with the fridge. There is some sort of canal to clear condensation at the back which seemed to have clogged up long ago, I see no way to clear it (pipe cleaners etc seem to have a very temporary effect).
Ian

[RocketMan]

Re: Fitting door seal – any special requirements?

Ian,

Not unusual for drains to block. Try a long cable tie or similar2-300mm. Better still,when you come to do the door seal, check at the back. The drained water should drip into a tray above the compressor. Ensure the drain is fully clear. Long cotton buds work well and make you cringe when you see what you get out. 😯 😯 8O. I generally pour a small amount of water down the hole to ensure it runs clear. (long necked household plant watering can does the job a treat)

Also brush condensor clean with a soft brush (black grill), wipe clean the drain tray and generally a good clean up. Basic mintenance really. Unplug of course.

[IanMiles]

Re: Fitting door seal – any special requirements?

Thanks again!
I will order replacement door seal and try the whole operation when it arrives.
and hopefully I will be able to post SUCCESS rather than come back with more problems!
Ian

[IanMiles]

Re: Fitting door seal – any special requirements?

Well, I have finally ordered and received the new door seal. When I started to detach the existing seal, though, I find that underneath its rubbery surface is a white strip, relatively stiff. This appears to be glued to the seal, and to hold tightly into the groove – have not yet tried to detach it for fear of being left without an effective seal at all. No such strip on the new seal, which is just the rubbery stuff.

Has anyone experienced this?

Presumably it is necessary to use a strip like this; is it going to be possible to detach and re-use this one? If not, where can it be obtained? And are there any things to watch out for when fitting (and removing)?

Thanks

Ian

[valp]

Re: Fitting door seal – any special requirements?

Hi there

I know this was some time ago but did you resolve this as I have the same problem.

Many thnaks for your time

Val

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