Fridge Seal Lifespan??

Submitted: Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 13:09

ThreadID: 74309 Views:5497 Replies:4 FollowUps:3

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ozwasp

Hi All

I had to turn up our fridge at home to make things colder - a bit of warm weather and constant opening was making things warm

While I was about it I cleaned the radiator and the seals, but was wondering how you can tell if the seals need to be replaced or not?

The seals seem to be ok and hold well, but the fridge is about 15 years old and I was wondering if they should be replaced at a certain age? There are no cracks in them and the magnets seem to be doing a good job in most areas, but should they be replaced? Be nice to know what people do generally.

I suppose you could apply this to Engels and alike, for older and harder fridge seals.

Thanks

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Reply By: Notso - Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 13:14

Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 13:14

Never replaced em in my life,

I'd reckon if they aren't cracked etc and the magnets are still holding they'd be alright.

What you can do is get a thin strip of paper and close the door on it. Then try to slip it out, there should be some resistance. Do it in several spots around the seal.

AnswerID: 394489

Follow Up By: ozwasp - Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 16:34

Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 16:34

Hi Notso

I tried the paper trick and the seals all seem pretty good, though the seal does seem to have hardened slightly on the pivot side of the refrigerator door. There is also 1cm crack on the freezer door seal (on the corner, where the handle is), though the freezer works brillantly and is getting to minus 22.

Interestingly I phoned a fridge mechanic and he said the new fridges out there are basically all cheaply made, using Chinese compressors. So I'd rather hold onto my old fridge than spend $1000+ to get something that might only last 5 years.

Cheers

FollowupID: 662827

Follow Up By: Notso - Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 16:55

Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 16:55

If you are concerned about it there is a mob who replace fridge door seals, but again, the seals are probably now made in China and won't last long anyhow.

Fridge door seals

FollowupID: 662829

Reply By: racinrob - Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 17:01

Thursday, Dec 10, 2009 at 17:01

My Electrolux RM2310 3 way fridge is 10 years old and looking at the door seal I thought it was a bit ordinary so thought I'd replace it. I went to a large caravan accessory store and asked for a door seal only to be told, "You have to buy a whole new door mate, the seal is part of the door !" The price of course is about the same as for a two door domestic fridge, grrrrrr.

Rob.

AnswerID: 394511

Reply By: Member - MUZBRY(Vic) - Friday, Dec 11, 2009 at 07:40

Friday, Dec 11, 2009 at 07:40

Gday
I had the door seals done on old Nan's fridge after 30 years of use. I think it cost about $150.00 and the job was done on site.
Yellow pages

Muzbry
Great place to be Mt Blue Rag 27/12/2012

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AnswerID: 394574

Reply By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Friday, Dec 11, 2009 at 08:11

Friday, Dec 11, 2009 at 08:11

ozwasp
Where in Oz are you? Seals are cheap enough to replace, there's a local guy here on the Gold Coast that does great work, but not much good to you if you're in Perth..... I don't think he travels that far for work... ;-))

Have a look in your yellow pages, you'll find someone that does 'em, and give them the make and model number of the fridge over the phone and they can usually quote a price on the spot.

Cheers

Brian

AnswerID: 394575