How to replace rubber seal on front load washer lg

Every battle-hardened professional Appliantologist has his favorite technique for replacing the door gasket (also called the "boot" or "bellows") on front load washers. Although the door gasket on all makes of front loaders are very similar in construction, there are enough differences among the brands that certain techniques work better on some brands than on others. For example, many Appliantologists prefer to replace the door gasket on a Whirlpool Duet washer without removing the entire front panel of the machine.

Although the door gasket on LG washers is very similar to all the rest, that inner retaining spring seems to be just tight enough that it's worth the extra effort of removing the front panel to facilitate the installation. LG also makes two special spring pliers to help with removing and reinstalling the outer and inner retaining springs. Most Appliantologists say they can get by without the outer spring clamp tool Part number: AP4438623

but that inner spring clamp tool Part number: AP4439038

is worth the price of admission.

The other big thing to watch out for with getting the replacement LG door boot is to check to see if the model you're working on has the extra drain port at the 6 o'clock position or not. Sometimes, even looking up the door boot by model number will give you the wrong replacement boot and the presence or absence of the drain port seems to be the key difference.

Here's a video that shows how to replace the door boot using both the outer and inner spring clamp pliers and by removing the front panel of the machine.

This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the part on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.

• Door Seal
• Screwdriver
• Washing Up Liquid (Optional)

Safety First! Please make sure that you have switched off or disconnected the appliance from the mains before beginning any repair.

To make sure you’re ordering the correct spare for your appliance, you will need the model number. It’s usually found on the inside of the door on a rating plate as you can see on this model here. If you need help in locating the model number for your appliance click here.

On this model to access the door gasket we will need to remove the whole front panel. To begin, take off the upper panel by removing the screws at the back and then lift it off.

To release the control panel first remove the detergent drawer using the quick release. Remove the two Philips screws located behind the detergent drawer and then the additional two clips behind the control panel. We would recommend using a flat head screwdriver to release the clips and the fascia panel should come away.

To remove the base plate, grab a flat headed screwdriver to release the filter flap. Carefully pull out the front drain hose and remove the Phillips screw; the kick-strip should then come away.

To start removing the front panel, we’ll need to remove the outer retaining band fixed around the door seal. We recommend using a flat head screwdriver to ease it out.

You can then ease the door seal off the outer lip of the washing machine and fold it into the drum. Next, remove the two screws for the door lock. You’ll also need to remove the two screws at the top and then the three remaining screws at the bottom and the outer panel should come away.

Now you have the outer panel removed, disconnect the hose that connects to the top of the door seal. You should see a sprung band fitted around the inside of the door seal. We recommend using a flat head screwdriver to ease it off as it can be a bit fiddly. Now the door gasket should easily come away from the inner lip.

With the faulty seal out the way you can wipe away any dirt or grime around the drum using a cloth. Here we have our new door seal. The small pipe at the top of the old gasket is not sold with the new part, so make sure you keep hold of it. Simply slide the pipe from the bottom of the seal to secure it in place.

Please Note: Make sure the drain holes at the bottom of the door seal fit at 6 o’clock on the drum. You should see a small arrow on the top of the seal which aligns with the arrow at the top of the drum.

To make the job even easier for you, rub a little washing up liquid on the lip of the door seal. Make sure the arrow of the seal is positioned correctly before working the seal lip around the drum.

The hardest part of this repair is getting the inner band around the door seal, so an extra pair of hands is recommended.

We are going to use two flat head screwdrivers to help us. Get the sprung part of the retaining band into place using your hands and manually secure as much of the band as possible. You can then use your two screwdrivers and work the band into position. It’s very similar to changing a bike tyre, always make sure not the puncture the door seal itself.

Once the inner retaining band is in place fit the hose onto the top of the door seal and you just need to reassemble your washing machine back together again.

If you need to locate the correct door seal for your appliance, eSpares is sure to have the correct part for you.

If your washing machine is long due a clean, why not spruce it up using eSpares very own tried and tested Dishwasher & Washing Machine Cleaner. It’s specifically designed to remove bad odours and harmful bacteria from building up inside your appliance. 

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