A refrigerator door that will not close properly can let cold air escape and leave you with higher energy bills and spoiled food. One of the most common causes of this problem is a worn upper hinge cam riser. This small part helps the door shut tightly, and when it wears down, the seal is no longer effective.
The good news is that replacing the cam riser is a straightforward task you can complete with just a few basic tools.
Tools and Parts You Will Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- 3/8″ open-ended wrench
- 10mm socket wrench
- Samsung upper hinge cam riser (DA66-00558B)
What Is the Upper Hinge Cam Riser?
The upper hinge cam riser is a small plastic piece located at the bottom of the freezer door above the hinge. It guides the movement of the door so it can close firmly and maintain a tight seal.
Over time, the cam riser can wear out or break. When that happens, the freezer door may stay slightly open. Cold air leaks out and warm air enters, leading to frost buildup and food that does not stay fresh.
Signs the Upper Hinge Cam Riser Needs Replacement
A faulty cam riser usually shows clear symptoms. Watch for:
- Refrigerator or freezer door not closing completely
- Visible gap between the door and the frame
- Cold air escaping and warm air entering
- Frost buildup around the freezer compartment
- Door that feels loose or wobbly when opening and closing
- Difficulty keeping the door aligned with the frame
- Strange noises when the door moves, such as clicking or scraping
Benefits of Replacing the Cam Riser
Swapping out a worn cam riser does more than fix a stubborn door. It brings several advantages:
- Restores a proper seal so cold air stays inside
- Prevents frost and ice accumulation
- Reduces energy waste and lowers utility costs
- Keeps food fresher for longer periods
- Improves the smooth motion of the door
- Extends the lifespan of the refrigerator by reducing strain on the motor
- Helps maintain consistent internal temperatures
Safety First
Before starting this repair, keep safety in mind with these precautions:
- Unplug the appliance or switch off the circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock.
- Turn off the water supply to prevent leaks.
- Be careful when handling refrigerator doors because they are heavy. Ask for help if needed.
- Let the appliance cool down before working on it.
- Work slowly and carefully to prevent injury or damage.
- Keep the area well-lit and free of clutter. Keep children and pets away.
- Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Do not work with wet hands when handling parts or wires.
- Refer to your user manual for model-specific instructions.
How to Replace the Samsung Refrigerator Upper Hinge Cam Riser
Follow these steps to remove the old cam riser and install a new one safely and correctly.
Remove Toe Grill
- Turn off the refrigerator and unplug it from the outlet.
- Shut off the water supply by closing the refrigerator’s water line valve.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three screws securing the toe grill.
- Remove the toe grill and set it aside.
Disconnect Water Lines
- Locate the two water lines at the bottom hinge.
- Use a 3/8″ open-ended wrench to loosen the compression fittings.
- Pull the water lines free from the connector stems and catch any water with a towel.
Remove Top Hinge Cover
- Go to the top of the refrigerator and remove the two Phillips screws on the hinge cover.
- Lift off the hinge cover carefully.
Disconnect Wiring Harness
- Disconnect the two wiring harness plugs by pressing their release tabs.
- Remove the Phillips screw securing the green ground wire.
Detach Top Hinge
- Use a 10mm socket wrench to remove the three bolts holding the top hinge.
- Support the freezer door while removing the last bolt.
- Lift the hinge straight up and remove it.
- Rest the freezer door on top of the fresh food door.
Remove Freezer Door
- Lift the freezer door off the bottom hinge pin.
- Tilt the door outward to make clearance for the water lines.
- Slide the water lines out through the bottom hinge.
- Set the freezer door on its side.
Replace Cam Riser
- Remove the Phillips screw securing the cam riser on the underside of the freezer door.
- Slide off the old cam riser.
- Position the new cam riser and secure it with the screw.
Reinstall Freezer Door
- Lift the freezer door and guide the water lines into the slots on the bottom hinge.
- Lower the door onto the hinge pin.
- Open the door slightly to align the top with the screw holes.
Reinstall Top Hinge
- Hold the top hinge in place and insert the two outer 10mm bolts.
- Align the door and insert the center bolt.
- Tighten all three bolts securely.
Reconnect Wiring and Cover
- Reconnect the two wiring harness plugs.
- Reattach the green ground wire to its screw.
- Place the hinge cover back and secure it with two Phillips screws.
Reconnect Water Lines
- Press the water lines firmly into their connector stems.
- Confirm the water lines are fully seated.
Reattach Toe Grill
- Reattach the toe grill with three Phillips screws.
Wrap Up
- Plug the refrigerator back into the outlet.
- Turn on the water supply.
- Allow the refrigerator to cool for several hours.
- Check the doors for alignment and monitor for leaks over the next 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
A refrigerator that shuts tight saves you from wasted energy, frost problems, and spoiled food. The upper hinge cam riser may be a small part, but it plays a big role in keeping everything working smoothly. Taking the time to replace it not only fixes a loose or stubborn door but also helps your fridge last longer and run more efficiently. With a few simple tools and some careful steps, you can get your refrigerator back in shape and enjoy peace of mind knowing your food is staying fresh.