How to Remove the Door Rails
Removing Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Shelf Rails
Snap-in refrigerator door rails (sometimes called door trims or retainers) hold shelves and bins on the inside of the door. Use this guide to understand how snap-in rails work, what you’ll need, and the safe, step-by-step process for Whirlpool family refrigerators. If you came here looking for how to remove the snap-in refrigerator door rails, this guide also covers related tasks, such as replacing the refrigerator door shelf bar.
What Are Snap-In Door Rails?
Snap-in door rails are molded plastic pieces that clip into the door liner using tabs or hooks rather than screws. Many designs include small locking tabs along the rail, a center clip, or end caps that secure the rail in place. You’ll find these on many Whirlpool models across top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French door configurations. While shapes and tab locations vary by model, the removal approach is similar.
To remove and replace the rails:
- Depending on your model, remove the rails by pushing in slightly on the front of the bracket while pulling out on the inside tab. Repeat these steps for the other end.
- Replace the rails by aligning the ends of the brackets with the buttons on the sides of the door liner. As shown, firmly snap the bracket into place on the tabs above the shelf.
Drop-in Door Rails (on some models)
To remove and replace the rails:
- Remove the rails by pulling straight up on each end of the rail.
- Replace the rails by sliding the shelf rail into the slots on the door and pushing the rail straight down until it stops.
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