Frigidaire Washer Gasket (Door Boot Seal) Replacement Guide — Cost, Signs & DIY Tips
The Frigidaire EFLS front-load washer door boot seal (commonly part# 137566000) is the large rubber bellows between the tub and the door opening. It creates a watertight seal during the wash and spin cycles while flexing to allow the tub to move on its suspension. The outer edge is retained by a wire spring clamp, and the inner edge is secured by a retaining band clamped to the outer tub.
Top-load washers (FFTW) do not have a door boot seal — this guide applies to front-load models only.
Why Frigidaire Boot Seals Fail
- Mold and mildew — standing water in the bottom fold of the boot seal promotes mold growth. The seal rubber becomes degraded by mold acids over time
- Sanitize with Oxi cycle — Frigidaire's dedicated high-temperature cycle using OxiClean-compatible additives accelerates rubber degradation. If you use this cycle frequently, the boot seal degrades faster
- Foreign objects — a zipper, underwire, or sharp button pressed against the boot during spin can puncture or tear it
- Detergent buildup — excess detergent (especially powder) accumulates in the seal folds, hardening the rubber
Do You Have the Right Tools?
Multimeter ($85), vacuum pump ($250), diagnostic software, and specialized hand tools. Our technician arrives with $15K+ in professional tools — your diagnostic is free.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Symptoms
- Water leaking from under the door during wash or spin — the most common sign. Water escapes through a tear, hole, or the point where the seal has pulled away from its channel
- Visible mold on the boot seal surface — black spots in the rubber folds. This is cosmetic initially but indicates rubber degradation
- Musty smell from the washer — mold in the boot seal is the primary cause. Clean first; replace if cleaning does not eliminate the smell
- Rubber feels hard, cracked, or has visible tears — end-of-life degradation
Boot Seal Cost
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| OEM boot seal (137566000 or model-specific) | $50–$120 |
| Electrolux cross-reference | same |
| Aftermarket | $20–$70 |
| Professional labor | $120–$200 |
| DIY total | $20–$120 |
| Professional total | $140–$300 |
The boot seal is one of the more expensive Frigidaire washer parts, and professional labor is high because of the wire clamp reinstallation difficulty.
Safety First — Know the Risks
Appliances involve high voltage (120-240V), pressurized water, gas lines, and chemical refrigerants. Over 400 DIY repair injuries are reported yearly. Our techs are licensed and insured — let them handle the risk.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
Replacement Procedure
- Unplug the washer. Open the door.
- Remove the outer wire clamp — locate the spring tension point (usually at the bottom). Compress the spring ears with pliers and pry the clamp out of the channel. This is the hardest part of the job.
- Peel the boot seal away from the front panel — it sits in a channel around the door opening. Pull it forward and off the front panel lip.
- Remove the inner retaining band — this clamp secures the boot to the outer tub. Access it by reaching through the door opening. Some models use a wire clamp; others use a metal band with a bolt.
- Pull the old boot seal off the tub drum.
- Install the new boot seal: Start with the inner edge — press it onto the tub drum lip, beginning at the top. Install the inner retaining band to secure it. Then pull the outer edge forward over the front panel lip. Press it into the channel around the door opening.
- Install the outer wire clamp — this is the most frustrating step. Use a boot clamp installation tool, or work the clamp into the channel section by section with a flat-head screwdriver. Ensure the spring tension point is at the bottom (6 o'clock position).
- Check alignment — the drain holes at the bottom of the boot must be at the 6 o'clock position to allow water to drain out of the seal folds.
- Plug in. Run a hot wash cycle with an empty drum to test for leaks.
Tools: Pliers, flat-head screwdriver, boot clamp tool (recommended), socket wrench (for inner band bolt). Time: 45–75 minutes.
Same-Day Appliance Repair
Fixed or It's Free
$89 → $0 Service Call & Diagnosis — offer ends May 25
Mold Prevention
- Leave the door slightly open between loads — allows air circulation and prevents standing water in the boot fold
- Wipe the boot seal dry after each use — 30 seconds that prevents months of mold
- Use liquid HE detergent, not powder — powder leaves residue in the seal folds
- Run a monthly cleaning cycle (empty, hot water, washer cleaner or vinegar)
- If using Sanitize with Oxi frequently, inspect the seal more often for degradation
The Real Cost of DIY
Average DIY attempt: $150-400 in tools you may use once, plus the risk of further damage. Our diagnostic visit costs $0 — we find the problem and give you an honest quote.
Licensed & Insured · 90-Day Warranty · Same-Day Service
FAQ
Why does my Frigidaire front-load washer leak from the door?
A torn or displaced door boot seal. Inspect the seal for tears, especially at the bottom. Also check that the outer wire clamp is fully seated.
Can I clean mold from the boot seal instead of replacing it?
Yes, if the rubber is still pliable with no tears. Clean with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution or a diluted bleach solution. Replace if rubber is hardened or cracked.
Does the Sanitize with Oxi cycle damage the boot seal?
Over time, yes. The high-temperature cycle with oxidizing additives accelerates rubber degradation. Inspect the seal more frequently if used regularly.
What is the hardest part of boot seal replacement?
Reinstalling the outer wire clamp. A boot clamp installation tool ($15 at appliance parts stores) significantly reduces frustration.
Washer leaking from the door? Our technicians replace Frigidaire door boot seals with professional clamp tools for a reliable seal. Book a technician →
