OEM vs Aftermarket Ice Bucket Auger for GE: Honest Comparison (WR17X11705)

You're staring at your GE refrigerator's ice dispenser. The motor's running, but zero ice comes out — just that awful grinding noise. You've narrowed it down to a broken ice bucket auger (WR17X11705), and now you're facing the classic parts dilemma: spend $150+ on the OEM part from GE, or grab an aftermarket replacement for $61.99?

I've replaced dozens of these augers over the years. Let me break down what you're actually getting with each option.

Quick Answer

The aftermarket WR17X11705 auger delivers identical performance for 60% less money. Unless you're keeping this fridge for another 15+ years or need it for a rental property where tenant complaints matter more than cost, the aftermarket part makes more financial sense. One user put it plainly: "The part was in great condition... Fit the GE ice bucket perfectly. The bucket is working like new."

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

There are legitimate scenarios where spending double makes sense:

Brand-new appliances under warranty. If your GSH25JFTAWW or GSS25WGMDWW is less than a year old, the OEM part might be covered entirely. Don't void your warranty over sixty bucks.

Commercial or rental properties. Property managers dealing with picky tenants sometimes prefer the "genuine parts only" story. It's about liability management, not performance.

You're keeping this fridge forever. Planning to run your GE side-by-side for another 20 years? The OEM part might — might — outlast an aftermarket by a few years. But at that price difference, you could replace the aftermarket twice and still save money.

When Aftermarket Wins

For most home repairs, the aftermarket auger is the smart play. Here's why:

It's the same job for less money. The auger's function is simple — rotate and push ice forward. There's no complex electronics here. As one installer noted: "Easy installation, now we have ice! I'm very pleased with this product."

Better warranty coverage. The aftermarket part includes a full year warranty versus GE's 90-day coverage. That tells you something about confidence in the product.

Faster availability. One frustrated customer complained about OEM delivery: "Item arrived at over 3X the estimated delivery time — at a premium cost." When your ice dispenser's down in July, waiting 10+ days for the OEM part feels like punishment.

The color difference doesn't matter. Yes, the aftermarket auger is dark blue instead of clear. You know who sees inside your ice bucket? Nobody. It's hidden behind the freezer door. One user confirmed: "Not an issue for functionality."

Common Issues This Part Fixes

If you're seeing these symptoms on models like the GSH25JFTACC, BSS25JFTAWW, or ESH22JFWAWW, the auger is likely your culprit:

• Motor runs but zero ice dispenses
• Grinding or clicking noise when you press the dispenser
• Ice maker produces ice fine, but it won't come out
• Intermittent dispensing — works sometimes, fails other times

The auger motor assembly keeps running because it doesn't know the plastic auger blade has cracked or stripped. That's the noise you're hearing.

Our Verdict

Save your money and grab the aftermarket WR17X11705 auger. The installation takes 15 minutes, the warranty's actually better, and you'll pocket $90+ for your next repair fund. The only people who should buy OEM are those with warranty coverage or specific business reasons. For a straightforward home repair on your GSS22JEPACC or DSS25PFMDWW, this is a no-brainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the entire ice bucket to replace the auger?

Yes, but it's easier than it sounds. Pull the ice bucket straight out, dump any remaining ice, and the old auger typically lifts right out. The new one snaps into the same mounting points. No tools required for most GE models — just your hands and maybe a towel to catch melting ice.

Will the dark blue plastic affect ice taste or quality?

Not at all. The plastic meets the same food-grade safety standards as OEM clear plastic. The color is purely cosmetic, and since it's hidden inside the freezer, you'll never see it during normal use. Multiple users confirmed zero functional difference.

What if the auger motor is also bad?

That's a separate issue. If you replace the auger and still hear nothing when pressing the dispenser, the auger motor assembly itself may need replacement. But start with the auger — it fails far more often than the motor, and it's the cheaper fix. One symptom at a time.