Ice bin cracking
This step-by-step repair guide walks you through fixing ice bin cracking on your LG LRSXS2706V (Side-by-Side). With the right tools and parts, most homeowners can complete this repair in 1–2 hours and avoid a costly service call.
Part of our Top 20 Refrigerator Models & Common Repair Issues Guide. Browse all refrigerator repair guides for related models and issues.
“`htmlCommon Symptoms & Causes
If your LG LRSXS2706V is experiencing ice bin cracking, you may notice one or more of the following signs before the problem worsens.
- Visible hairline cracks or fractures along the sides or bottom of the ice bin
- Ice cubes spilling into the freezer compartment instead of dispensing properly
- The ice dispenser jams or fails to cycle because the broken bin edge catches on the auger
- A grinding or popping noise when the ice maker attempts to dispense ice
This issue is most commonly caused by normal wear and temperature stress on the plastic bin over time, though improper removal or forcing a jammed ice bin can accelerate cracking.
“`Safety First
- Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet before starting any repair — never work on a live appliance.
- Shut off the water supply valve before disconnecting any water lines or hoses.
- Wear work gloves when handling metal brackets, sheet metal edges, or sharp components.
- Take photos with your phone before disconnecting any wiring harnesses or connectors.
- Work in a well-lit area with enough floor space to lay removed panels flat.
Tools & Parts Needed
Essential Tools
- Phillips #2 screwdriver
- ¼” nut driver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Multimeter
- Flashlight or work light
Replacement Parts
- LG ice bin
- auger assembly
- inline sediment water filter
- mild dish soap
Step-by-Step Repair Instructions
Step 1
Remove the ice bin by pulling it straight forward out of the freezer compartment, then carefully inspect all four corners and the auger hub for hairline fractures or full cracks. This matters because a cracked bin actively sheds plastic shards directly into your ice cubes, creating a serious ingestion hazard for your household. Pro tip: shine a flashlight at an angle across the bin surface to make hairline cracks visible before they become larger failures.
Step 2
Order the replacement ice bin using LG part number AKC72948909 to ensure an exact fit, and while you have the compartment accessible, run your finger along the auger blades and shaft to feel for burrs or rough edges that accelerate bin wear. If you find minor roughness, smooth it with 220-grit sandpaper — leaving burrs in place will cause the new bin to crack prematurely in the same spot. Safety note: wear gloves when handling the auger, as metal burrs can cause cuts.
Step 3
Wash the auger, auger housing, and any removable ice maker components with warm water and mild dish soap to remove mineral scale, old ice residue, and any plastic debris from the cracked bin. Rinse each component thoroughly, because soap residue left behind can contaminate ice taste and potentially foam up inside the ice maker. Allow all parts to air dry completely or dry with a clean towel before reassembly — moisture trapped during reinstallation can cause ice bridging.
Step 4
Check your household water quality, because high mineral content causes ice cubes to fuse together into clumps that exert outward pressure on the bin walls, which is a leading cause of premature cracking. If you notice white scale buildup on components or cloudy ice cubes, install an inline sediment and carbon block filter on the refrigerator supply line to address the root cause. Pro tip: most inline filters are inexpensive and install in minutes between the shutoff valve and the refrigerator’s water line connection.
Step 5
Slide the new bin straight in along the tracks and press it fully into the compartment until you feel and hear the auger shaft engage the motor coupling with a distinct click. An improperly seated bin will not receive drive from the motor, which means the auger cannot rotate and ice will pile up and jam rather than dispensing — so do not skip confirming that click. Pro tip: gently try to pull the bin back out after seating it; if it releases too easily without resistance, realign and reseat it.
Step 6
Plug the refrigerator back in and allow approximately two hours for the ice maker to complete its first production cycle and the bin to reach operating temperature. Discard the first two to three batches of ice after any bin replacement to flush out residual soap, dust, or plastic odor from new components before consuming the ice. This purge step is especially important if the old bin was cracked for an extended period, as contamination from plastic shards may have reached the ice maker components.
Where to Buy Replacement Parts
Find genuine OEM and aftermarket replacement parts for your LG LRSXS2706V (Side-by-Side) on Amazon:
- LG LRSXS2706V ice bin replacement AKC72948909
- LG refrigerator auger motor ACQ85710502 replacement
- refrigerator inline water sediment filter replacement
When to Call a Professional
If the issue persists after completing all steps above, the problem may involve the sealed refrigerant system, a failed main control board, or wiring that requires specialized diagnostic equipment. Contact a licensed appliance technician — attempting sealed-system repairs without EPA 608 certification is illegal and unsafe.
“`htmlHow Much Does This Repair Cost?
Replacing a cracked ice bin on the LG LRSXS2706V typically costs $25–$65 for the replacement part when doing it yourself. A professional service call for the same repair usually runs $150–$300 once you factor in labor and fees. Tackling this repair yourself can save you over $100 while restoring your ice maker’s full function.
“`Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the ice bin on my LG LRSXS2706V keep cracking?
Ice bins on this model often crack due to brittle plastic caused by freezer temperature fluctuations or overfilling. Keeping the bin at the recommended fill level and ensuring your freezer stays at 0°F can help prevent recurring cracks.
Can I use my LG LRSXS2706V while the ice bin is cracked?
A cracked ice bin can allow ice to jam the dispenser mechanism or leak water into the freezer. It is best to remove the bin and replace it before continuing to use the ice maker.
Is replacing the ice bin on the LG LRSXS2706V a job I can do myself?
Yes, replacing the ice bin is a straightforward repair that requires no special tools. Simply pull out the cracked bin, order the correct LG replacement part, and slide the new bin into place.