How To Adjust The Wheels On A Frigidaire Refrigerator

Leveling a Frigidaire refrigerator is an essential part of the installation procedure. Failure to level it side to side can affect the performance of the compressor and failure to level it front to back can have the added effect of creating problems with drainage and door operation. Many Frigidaire models come equipped with wheels (actually rollers) that make it easier to move the appliance around, and adjusting these is as easy or easier than adjusting stationary legs.

There are several reasons why it's important to level your Frigidaire refrigerator. The most important is that the refrigeration system won't work properly if the appliance is out of level. The refrigerant exists in the liquid state in the condenser coils, and if the appliance isn't level, the liquid pools in parts of the coils, making it harder for the condenser to move it, which affects performance and raises your energy bill.

Another reason for leveling the refrigerator is to ensure that any water that drips from the freezer or condenses on the coils will drain properly. The drain opening is in the back of the refrigerator, so Frigidaire specifies a 1/4- to 1/2-inch slope from the front of the refrigerator to the back. If you don't do this, water will spill from the front, and who wants a pool of water on the floor under the refrigerator?

A third reason for leveling the appliance is that the doors won't open properly if the appliance is tilted. The doors could swing open by themselves, which is something you don't want if you're trying to keep your food cool. Leveling your Frigidaire refrigerator to change the door swing is something you might have to do after moving it or making changes to the floor.

If your refrigerator has leveling wheels, there's one under each corner of the appliance. You may have to adjust the back ones before setting the appliance in place, but in most cases, it's only the front ones you have to worry about.

To access the wheels, you have to remove the front grille, which is just under the doors. On some French-door models, the doors have to be open for you to do this. The grille snaps into place, so you remove it by grasping it and pulling it toward you. That exposes an adjustment screw on the chassis just above each roller.

Turn the screw clockwise with a screwdriver or 3/8-inch socket wrench to raise the height of the roller and counterclockwise to lower it. Place a level on the top of the refrigerator parallel to the closed door and make sure the bubble is centered when you finish adjusting both rollers. The bubble should be touching or slightly beyond the front line of the level gauge when you set the level perpendicular to the door to check the level from front to back.

Some Frigidaire refrigerators have leveling feet as well as rollers, and when the refrigerator is stationary, it should be resting on the feet, not the rollers. To adjust the feet, use an adjustable wrench or locking pliers to grasp the foot, which is usually notched so you can grip it. Turn it clockwise to lengthen the bolt to which it's attached and raise the refrigerator, and turn it counterclockwise to lower the appliance.

If you can't raise the front feet high enough to get the rollers off the ground, unplug the refrigerator and pull it away from the wall to make adjustments. There usually aren't any feet on the back, just rollers, so you can adjust them with a screwdriver or socket wrench. After ensuring that the appliance is level from side to side, set it back in place and adjust the front feet.