How to Install Refrigerator Ice Crusher Mounting Plate, Front 241684001 in a Kenmore Refrigerator

Quick answer: Unplug the refrigerator and lift the ice bucket out of the freezer door. Remove the nut at the front of the auger shaft, slide off the old front plate with the crusher blades, and fit 241684001 in the same orientation. Stack the blades and spacers back on, tighten the nut, and refit the bucket.

The front ice crusher mounting plate 241684001 is the plate on the front of the ice bucket assembly in your Kenmore refrigerator. It holds the auger shaft and the crusher blades in line so the auger can push ice forward through the dispenser chute in the freezer door. When the plate cracks or its bearing wears, the auger wobbles, the crusher jams, ice dribbles out slowly, or the motor strains and stops. This plate is listed for side-by-side models built by Frigidaire and Electrolux, including FRS24ZGHB3, EW26SS70IS0, 25358687893 and EI23CS55GB8.

Replacing the plate is a moderate job done entirely at the kitchen counter once the ice bucket is out. The tricky part is the stack of crusher blades and spacers on the auger shaft, which must go back in the same order and orientation or the crusher will jam. Lay the parts out in sequence as you remove them and the job is straightforward.

See part details and every compatible model: 241684001

⚠️ Safety First
  • Unplug the refrigerator before removing the bucket so the auger motor cannot start while your hands are inside.
  • Store frozen food in a cooler if the door will be open for more than a few minutes.
  • The crusher blades are sharp; handle them by the edges with gloves.
  • Let the ice bucket warm to room temperature before dismantling so frozen parts do not crack.

Tools and Parts You Need

  • Socket wrench or nut driver for the auger shaft nut
  • Phillips screwdriver for any plate retaining screws
  • Towel and a tray to lay out the blades and spacers in order
  • Phone camera to record the blade stack before disassembly
  • Work gloves; the crusher blades are sharp
  • Warm water and mild soap to clean the bucket

Step-by-Step Installation

  1. Unplug and remove the bucket Unplug the refrigerator and open the freezer door. Lift the ice bucket up and out of its cradle on the door, releasing any front latch or lever first, and empty the ice into the sink.
  2. Let it thaw and photograph the assembly Let the bucket sit until frost melts. Take clear photos of the front of the bucket, showing how the plate, auger shaft nut and any blades sit before you touch anything.
  3. Remove the auger shaft nut Hold the auger at the rear so it cannot turn and remove the nut on the front of the shaft with a socket. Note whether there is a washer under it.
  4. Slide off the blades and old plate Slide the crusher blades, spacers and any spring off the shaft one at a time, laying each on the tray in order. Remove any screws holding the old plate to the bucket front and lift the plate off.
  5. Clean and inspect Wash the bucket, auger and blades in warm soapy water and dry them. Check the auger shaft for wear or cracks, since a damaged shaft will destroy the new plate's bearing.
  6. Fit the new plate Set 241684001 on the front of the bucket in the same orientation as the old plate, with the shaft opening centred on the auger. Fit any retaining screws and tighten them evenly.
  7. Rebuild the blade stack Slide the blades, spacers and spring back onto the shaft in the exact order from your tray and photos. The fixed and rotating blades alternate; a blade in the wrong position will jam.
  8. Tighten and test Fit the washer and nut and tighten firmly while holding the auger. Turn the auger by hand to confirm the blades pass each other freely, then refit the bucket, plug in and dispense both cubed and crushed ice.

Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done

  • Plate sits flat on the bucket front with no gap or rocking
  • Auger turns by hand without wobble at the front plate
  • Crusher blades pass each other without touching
  • Bucket seats fully in the door cradle and the front latch closes
  • Both cubed and crushed ice dispense normally

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing up the blade order The alternating fixed and rotating blades only work in one sequence. Lay them out in order and follow your photo when rebuilding.

Dismantling a frozen bucket Frozen plastic is brittle and the blades are stuck. Let the bucket thaw first.

Overtightening the shaft nut Crushing the blade stack stops the auger from turning. Tighten firmly, then check the auger spins freely by hand.

Ignoring a worn auger shaft A grooved or bent shaft wears the new plate's bearing quickly. Inspect it while the bucket is apart.

Troubleshooting After Installation

Auger will not turn after reassembly The blade stack is out of order or the nut is too tight. Loosen the nut, check the sequence against your photo and rebuild.

Crushed ice comes out as whole cubes The crusher blades are stacked wrong or the crusher solenoid lever is not engaging. Check the blade order first.

Bucket will not seat in the door The plate is not flat or a screw is proud. Remove the bucket, check the plate sits flush and reseat it.

Grinding noise while dispensing Two blades are touching. Remove the nut and confirm a spacer sits between each pair of blades.

Care Tips After the Repair

  • Empty and wash the bucket every couple of months so old ice does not fuse and strain the auger.
  • Dispense crushed ice occasionally to keep the blades from freezing together.
  • Never force ice through the chute with a utensil; clear jams by removing the bucket.

Compatible Models (Sample)

This part is listed for 1044 Kenmore models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.

Repair Difficulty and Time

Difficulty: Moderate. Typical time: 30 to 45 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which refrigerators use plate 241684001?

It is listed for side-by-side models such as FRS24ZGHB3, 25344502604, EW26SS70IS0, 25358687893, EI23CS55GB8 and EW26SS70IS3. Confirm your model number on the label inside the fresh food compartment.

Do I have to unplug the refrigerator?

Yes. The auger motor can start when the dispenser paddle is touched, and your fingers will be near the blades.

How long can the freezer door be open?

The bucket comes out in a minute. Do the rest of the job at the counter with the door closed, and move frozen food to a cooler if you expect to take longer.

Is the plate the same as the ice bucket?

No. The plate is the front piece that supports the auger and blades. If the bucket itself is cracked, it is a separate part.

Final Checklist

  • Refrigerator unplugged
  • Ice bucket removed, emptied and thawed
  • Photos taken of the front plate and blade stack
  • Shaft nut removed and blades laid out in order
  • 241684001 fitted flat with screws tightened evenly
  • Blade stack rebuilt in the original order and nut tightened
  • Auger turns freely by hand
  • Bucket refitted and cubed and crushed ice tested

Related Repair Guides