How to lower wheels on Maytag refrigerator?
On the Maytag MBL2258XES6 bottom-mount refrigerator, you typically lower the front by turning the front leveling legs counterclockwise; the wheels are mainly for rolling during installation and are not the primary height adjustment. For the exact access points and procedure for your unit, follow the steps in the owner's manual.
How to lower the front (leveling legs)
- Unplug the refrigerator (or switch off power) for safety.
- Remove the toe grille or lower front kickplate (it usually snaps off or uses a few screws).
- Locate the two front leveling legs, one at each front corner.
- Use an adjustable wrench or nut driver to turn the leveling leg:
- Counterclockwise: lowers the front
- Clockwise: raises the front
- Adjust both sides a little at a time until the cabinet is level side-to-side.
Quick checks after you adjust
- Doors should close on their own from a partially open position.
- The cabinet should not rock when you press on opposite corners.
- The door gaskets should seal evenly all the way around.
- The freezer drawer should glide smoothly without rubbing.
Common issues and what they mean
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Doors swing open | Front is too low | Raise the front slightly (turn legs clockwise) |
| Doors do not close well | Front is too high or unit is twisted | Lower the front slightly; recheck side-to-side level |
| Unit wobbles | Legs not firmly on floor | Lower legs until they contact the floor solidly |
| Hard to turn a leg | Weight on the leg or debris | Slightly tip the unit back; clean area around the leg |
Why it matters
Proper leveling helps the doors seal, prevents warm air leaks that cause frost and temperature swings, and reduces strain on hinges and drawer rails.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the disadvantages of a bottom freezer refrigerator?
Bottom-freezer refrigerators like the Maytag MBL2258XES6 keep fresh food at eye level, but the tradeoffs are real: you bend more to reach frozen items, the freezer drawer can feel cramped or harder to organize, and the heavy drawer hardware can wear faster with frequent use. See the owner's manual for model-specific use and care details.
Common downsides you may notice day to day
- More bending for frozen foods: anything in the freezer requires crouching or kneeling.
- Heavier freezer access: a fully loaded bottom drawer can feel heavy to pull out.
- Organization can be trickier: stacked items and deep bins can hide food in the back.
- Less convenient for frequent freezer users: if you grab frozen items multiple times a day, it can feel slower than a top-freezer.
- Potentially higher repair wear points: drawer slides, gears, and door seals can take more stress over time.
Parts that commonly see more wear on bottom-freezer designs
If the freezer drawer starts sticking, sagging, or not sealing well, these are common areas to inspect on this style of refrigerator:
| Symptom | Likely wear area | Example part for MBL2258XES6 |
|---|---|---|
| Drawer hard to open/close | Slide rails, gears | Refrigerator freezer drawer gear 12002497 |
| Frost buildup, warm freezer | Door gasket not sealing | Refrigerator freezer door gasket (black) WPW10436250 |
| Drawer feels unstable | Basket/rail alignment | Refrigerator freezer slide rail W11658402 |
Why it matters
A bottom freezer puts more load on the freezer drawer system. When the drawer does not glide smoothly or the gasket does not seal tightly, you can get temperature swings, frost buildup, and higher run time for the compressor.
Tips to reduce the disadvantages
- Keep heavier frozen items low and centered so the drawer pulls evenly.
- Avoid overpacking; airflow and easy closing matter.
- Wipe the gasket sealing surfaces regularly to prevent gaps.
- Make sure the refrigerator is level so the drawer tracks straight.
- If the drawer starts binding, inspect rails and gears before they fail completely.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the bottom part of the fridge called?
On a Maytag MBL2258XES6 bottom-mount refrigerator, the “bottom part” most people mean is the compressor area (the sealed-system compartment near the floor at the back). The bottom section can also refer to the freezer drawer, depending on what you’re pointing to.
Common “bottom parts” and what they do
- Compressor (sealed system): pumps refrigerant; helps create cooling.
- Condenser fan and condenser coils: remove heat from the refrigerant.
- Freezer drawer section: the lower compartment where frozen food is stored.
- Drain pan: catches defrost water so it can evaporate.
- Lower rear access cover/kick area: protects wiring and airflow paths.
Quick identification guide
Use this to match the name to what you see.
| What you’re looking at | What it’s usually called | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Black “can” with copper lines | Compressor | Back, bottom |
| Fan near the compressor | Condenser fan motor | Back, bottom |
| Bottom pull-out compartment | Freezer drawer/basket | Front, bottom |
| Rubber or magnetic seal on door | Door gasket | Around door edge |
Why it matters
Using the right name helps you troubleshoot faster and order the correct Maytag refrigerator parts. For example, “freezer drawer not sliding” points to rails or gears, while “not cooling” often points to airflow, fans, or sealed-system components.
Helpful next steps for this model
- If you mean the freezer drawer hardware, check parts like the refrigerator freezer drawer gear 12002497.
- If you mean cooling components in the back-bottom area, review the component locations in the owner's manual.
- If the refrigerator is warm, listen for the condenser fan and check for dust buildup around the lower rear area.
Last updated: February 2026





