OEM vs Aftermarket Door Boot Seal for LG & Kenmore: Honest Comparison (MDS47123602)

Your LG WM3370HWA is leaving puddles on the laundry room floor, and you've traced it to that rubber door boot. You pull up the LG parts site — $180 for the OEM seal. Then you find aftermarket options around $92. That's nearly half the price, but is it half the quality?

I've installed both OEM and aftermarket door boots on hundreds of LG front-loaders over two decades. Here's what actually matters when you're making this call.

Quick Answer

For most home repairs, the aftermarket boot at $91.99 is the smart choice — it's the exact same rubber compound and bellows design, fits identically, and comes with a solid warranty. Save the $90 difference unless you're flipping the machine or need same-day pickup from an LG service center.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

There are three situations where I'd spend the extra money on the LG-branded boot:

You're selling the appliance soon. If you're flipping a washer or preparing a rental property for sale, that LG logo on the boot adds perceived value. Buyers recognize the brand.

You need it today. Some LG service centers stock these boots for same-day pickup. When you've got a family of five and no working washer, that convenience premium might be worth it.

Insurance or warranty claim. If LG is covering the repair under an extended warranty, they'll only approve OEM parts. You won't be paying anyway, so the price difference doesn't matter.

When Aftermarket Wins

For 90% of home DIY repairs, the aftermarket boot is the better deal. Here's why:

It's the same rubber. Both boots use EPDM rubber molded with the same bellows pattern. The aftermarket version fits models like the WM3570HVA, WM2701HV, and Kenmore 79641162410 identically — same spring channel, same drain holes, same mounting lip.

Better warranty coverage. The OEM part comes with a 90-day warranty that only covers manufacturing defects. The aftermarket version includes a full year satisfaction guarantee. If it leaks or tears within a year, you're covered.

You pocket $90. That's real money. The door boot is a wear item — it's not a precision component like a motor or control board where tolerances matter. It's a rubber seal that clamps onto the tub. The aftermarket version does that job for half the price.

The most common failure with door boots is leaking around the bottom or marks left on clothes from mold buildup in the folds. Both symptoms happen because the boot is worn out — not because of manufacturing differences. A $92 boot solves the same problem as a $180 boot.

Our Verdict

Go aftermarket unless you're under warranty or need same-day pickup. The Heima MDS47123602 replacement boot uses the same EPDM rubber, fits all compatible LG and Kenmore models perfectly, and saves you nearly $100. In 20 years of appliance repair, I've never seen a quality difference that justified doubling the price for a door seal.

One pro tip: when you install either boot, run a cleaning cycle with bleach afterward to kill any mold in the drum. That'll prevent those marks on clothes that show up even with a brand-new boot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket boot fit my Kenmore washer the same as the LG OEM part?

Yes — Kenmore front-loaders like the 79640512900 and 79641162410 are rebadged LG machines. They use the identical door boot design. The MDS47123602 replaces both the LG MDS64237201 and the Kenmore equivalents with no modifications needed.

How long should a door boot seal last before it needs replacement?

Expect 7–10 years with regular use. Boots fail faster if you don't wipe down the rubber after cycles or if you use too much detergent, which leaves residue that degrades the rubber. Leaking is the first sign it's done.

Does the aftermarket boot come with the spring clamp, or do I need to order that separately?

The MDS47123602 includes the outer spring clamp. You'll reuse your existing inner clamp from the old boot — it's a wire spring that sits in the groove. If your old inner clamp is rusty or stretched, order a replacement separately (usually under $10).