Whirlpool WRF560SMYM05 refrigerator Parts

A bottom-mount refrigerator like the Whirlpool WRF560SMYM05 puts the fresh-food section at eye level, so we reach everyday items more easily and bend less often. The freezer is lower, which fits how most households use the refrigerator compartment more frequently.

Key advantages in daily use

• Easier access to fresh foods (produce, drinks, leftovers) at a comfortable height
• Less bending for the items we use most often
• Better visibility of refrigerated foods, which helps reduce forgotten items and waste
• Freezer storage stays roomy, with the heavier frozen items kept down low
• Works well for meal prep because the main shelves are closer to countertop height

Bottom-mount vs. top-freezer: quick comparison

Feature	Bottom-mount refrigerator	Top-freezer refrigerator
Most-used items	Easier to reach	Requires more bending
Freezer access	Lower, more bending	Higher, easier to reach
Best fit for	Fresh-food focused households	Frozen-food focused households

Why it matters

We open the refrigerator section far more often than the freezer. With a bottom-mount design, the foods we grab every day sit higher and are easier to see, which makes the kitchen feel more efficient and comfortable.

Helpful ownership tip for this model

To keep water and ice tasting fresh, replace the water filter on schedule and follow the steps in the WRF560SMYM05 manual. If you need the correct replacement, we list the refrigerator filter EDR1RXD1 for this model, and you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For the Whirlpool WRF560SMYM05 bottom-mount refrigerator, we leave the cardboard-like cover on the bottom or rear lower area in place. It is there to protect components and help direct airflow for proper cooling; removing it can lead to overheating, noise, or poor performance.

What that “cardboard” piece usually is

On many Whirlpool refrigerators, the panel that looks like cardboard is a protective access cover (sometimes called a rear lower cover). It typically:

• Shields wiring, the condenser area, and other components from damage
• Helps guide airflow across the condenser for efficient heat removal
• Reduces dust buildup and helps with sound control
• Keeps pets and debris away from moving or hot parts

When you might remove it (and when to reinstall it)

We only remove that panel temporarily for service tasks, then reinstall it right away.

• Cleaning the condenser area (if your model design allows access there)
• Inspecting for a water leak or drain pan overflow
• Checking for a rattle or vibration near the bottom rear
• Accessing certain electrical components during diagnosis

For model-specific access and panel removal steps, follow the owner's manual.

Quick do and don’t checklist

• Do unplug the refrigerator before removing any access panel.
• Do keep screws/clips and reinstall the panel exactly as found.
• Do confirm the panel is seated flat so it does not vibrate.
• Don’t operate the refrigerator long-term with the panel removed.
• Don’t cut, puncture, or “trim” the panel to make it fit.

Why it matters

That cover is part of the refrigerator’s designed airflow path. When airflow is disrupted, the compressor and condenser can run hotter and longer, which can reduce cooling performance and increase energy use.

Related parts and resources

If you are troubleshooting cooling, odors, or water/ice issues, we recommend using the parts list for WRF560SMYM05 on this page, or searching by model at Sears PartsDirect. Helpful DIY reading: how to fix your evaporator cooling fan.

Last updated: February 2026

Most Whirlpool refrigerators, including the Whirlpool WRF560SMYM05 bottom-mount style, last 12 to 15 years with normal household use. Regular maintenance (clean airflow, good door sealing, and timely filter changes) helps you reach the upper end of that range.

Typical lifespan and what changes it

A refrigerator’s life is mostly determined by compressor run time, airflow, and how well the doors seal.

• Typical lifespan: 12 to 15 years
• Often replaced sooner: heavy use, poor ventilation, frequent power issues
• Often lasts longer: clean condenser area, stable temperatures, good gaskets

Maintenance that adds years (and prevents common failures)

Use these habits to reduce strain on the sealed system and cooling fan.

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer not overpacked so air can circulate.
• Clean dust from the condenser area regularly (more often with pets).
• Make sure doors close fully; fix sagging or misalignment early.
• Replace the water filter on schedule; a restricted filter can reduce water flow and stress the inlet valve.
• Replace the air filter if your unit uses one; it helps control odors and keeps airflow paths cleaner.

Quick “repair or replace” guide

If your WRF560SMYM05 is near the typical lifespan, this helps decide whether a repair is worth it.

What you’re seeing	Most common cause	Usually worth fixing?
Warm fridge, freezer OK	Evaporator fan or airflow issue	Yes
Ice maker not making ice	Ice maker or water supply issue	Yes
Water dispenser slow	Clogged filter or inlet valve issue	Yes
Not cooling at all, loud clicking	Start components or compressor-related issue	Depends

Why it matters

Knowing the average lifespan helps us plan smart repairs. Replacing wear items like filters and keeping airflow clean can prevent expensive cooling-system stress and keep food temperatures stable.

Helpful resources and parts for this model

• Check care and maintenance details in the WRF560SMYM05 owner's manual.
• For water quality and flow, use the correct refrigerator filter EDR1RXD1.
• For odor control, replace the refrigerator air filter W10311524 as needed.
• To find additional replacement parts by model number, search on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026

For Whirlpool refrigerators like model WRF560SMYM05, the biggest day-to-day problem we see is loss of cooling (fresh food too warm, freezer not holding temp), often tied to airflow restrictions, dirty condenser coils, or a failing fan. Ice maker and water issues are also very common.

Most common “big” problems (and what usually causes them)

• Not cooling or weak cooling: blocked vents, heavy frost on the evaporator, dirty condenser coils, or a failing evaporator fan
• Ice maker not making ice: water supply restriction, frozen fill tube, or an ice maker assembly issue
• Water leaking or puddles: clogged/iced defrost drain, door left ajar, or water system seepage
• Warm spots or temperature swings: thermistor (temperature sensor) problems or airflow issues
• Bad odors: old food residue, poor airflow, or overdue air filter replacement

Quick checks we recommend first

1. Confirm the controls are set correctly and vents are not blocked by food packages.
2. Clean the condenser area (dust buildup can raise temps and run time).
3. Listen for the evaporator fan; it should run when the compressor is running (door switch may need to be pressed to test).
4. Check for frost buildup on the freezer back panel (points to a defrost or airflow problem).
5. If you have dispenser or ice issues, replace the water filter and purge air from the line.

Parts that commonly solve these symptoms on WRF560SMYM05

Symptom	Common part to check/replace	What it affects
Poor ice production, slow water flow	Refrigerator filter EDR1RXD1	Water flow to dispenser and ice maker
Warm refrigerator section, weak airflow	Refrigerator evaporator motor WPW10464673	Circulates cold air from freezer
Odors that return quickly	Refrigerator air filter W10311524	Reduces food odors in fresh food section
Ice maker dead or inconsistent	Refrigerator ice maker assembly 4317943	Ice harvest and fill cycle

Why it matters

Cooling and airflow problems can quickly lead to food spoilage and extra compressor run time. Catching the cause early (filtering, airflow, fan operation, and drainage) prevents repeat failures and helps your Whirlpool refrigerator run efficiently.

Helpful resources and ordering

• Use the WRF560SMYM05 manual for model-specific operating tips, control settings, and care instructions.
• For step-by-step filter help, follow how to replace Whirlpool refrigerator water filter EDR1RXD1 everydrop type 1.
• You can order the exact replacement parts listed for WRF560SMYM05 from the parts list on this page, or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.

Last updated: February 2026