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I have a KitchenAid KSSC42QMS02, the right door closing cam screw (#35) is loose and I need to remove the spring (#24) to re-assemble them. The spring is really strong that I can not remove it without a special tool. Anyone knows what tool to use to remove and reinstall the spring ?

Fig 1

Fig 2 There's a tiny hole in this figure on the metal piece. I think this is for a special tool to expand the spring.

https://www.partswarehouse.com/KitchenAid-KSSC42QMS02-Refrigerator-s/342041.htm

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    I usually just use a pair of pliers or a screwdriver. Eye goggles/protection and maybe a catchers mitt.
    – crip659
    Jun 29 at 0:07
  • Can you measure it, how log is it
    – asinine
    Jun 29 at 0:13
  • two photos uploaded. Hopefully it's easier to see what tool should be used.
    – TMS
    Jun 29 at 16:11
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    hi @Ruskes, at expanded state, it's a little bit less than adult hand.
    – TMS
    Jun 29 at 16:18

2 Answers 2

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A small screwdriver, slipped into the hook at the end of the spring will allow you to stretch the spring off its mounting point. Put the shaft of the screwdriver through the hook, brace the tip against something solid in the fridge, then pry to stretch the spring until the hook is clear of its mounting point.

Have a couple of spotters and borrow a Golf Channel cameraman because when the spring comes loose, it's going to want to fly. Alternatively, have someone hold their gloved hands over the spring as you pry to contain it when it comes loose. The gloves will protect their hands from the force of the spring releasing and at most, it should drop down, bounce and roll only a foot or two so it'll be reasonably easy to find.

An alternative is to use a pair of needle nose pliers to do the same thing as you would with the screwdriver. The only difference is that you grab hold of the spring with the pliers and squeeze tight. When the spring comes loose, the pliers should hold it just fine so you won't have to go searching for it.

If you really want a tool specifically designed for removing a spring with a hooked end, go to your local auto parts store and ask them for a drum brake tool kit. It comes with a couple of weird shaped tools to remove springs exactly like the one in your first picture. The tools are quite strong as the springs in drum brakes are considerably stiffer than the one that closes your fridge door, so the tool will be quite up to the task.

Based on the picture posted after this answer was written, I've drawn in a screwdriver and a hand.

enter image description here

Put your screwdriver (the longer the screwdriver, the more leverage you get by pushing on the end of the handle - physics for the win!) through the hook on the upright metal piece, place your gloved hand where the yellow line is, then push the screwdriver in the direction pointed by the green arrow.

It shouldn't take a tremendous amount of strength to stretch the spring the 1/4" or less that it will take to get the hook out of the notch that holds it. Once the hook of the spring starts to move, the curve on the metal bracket should guide it up and the spring tension will do the rest of the job to remove it.

Do be aware that as the spring releases and compresses, it will pull the tip of the screwdriver (resting against the metal) back toward you. This could, potentially, pull the screwdriver out of your hand and might throw it back at you. It could also just slip out of your hand and land on top of the fridge, possibly rolling off the side and getting lost. One more little point to be aware of.

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  • Thanks for your detailed reply. I've uploaded two photos. The space is confined so no way two men can work together. And I'm afraid and not strong enough to use screwdrivers neither. The tool you mentioned for drum brake spring is promising. The problem is I think there nothing to grab on for the other leg of the pliers. There're special tools for removing spring from washer, but I'm not sure if they're strong enough to do this job
    – TMS
    Jun 29 at 16:08
  • @TMS I've updated the answer with a fun little drawing. Yes, the spring will launch if you don't contain it, but the comment about 2 spotters and a cameraman was a bit tongue-in-cheek. Follow these instructions and I think you'll be fine. There's really nothing to be afraid of (do add safety glasses - always a great idea!), wear gloves and go for it. If you don't have the strength to stretch the spring out, at least when you call for service, you'll know you've done your best.
    – FreeMan
    Jun 29 at 18:44
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    hi @FreeMan, Thank you very much for your detailed answer. I managed to release the spring using screwdriver as you described in the photo. But it's too slippery to put it back with only the screwdriver. I used a small wood block and drilled a hole, then plug a nail through the metal piece into the wood. This way I can use the screwdriver to install the spring back. Thanks!
    – TMS
    Jul 10 at 16:45
  • Glad you got it, @TMS!
    – FreeMan
    Jul 10 at 17:05
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Get a friend that is strong and can do that.

Total DYI proposal:,

Use plumbing pliers and disassemble it (take the screw out)

Now turn (flip) one arm and assemble.

Insert the plier, it will work in opposite direction, so you can open the spring with little force.

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