I have the identical refrigerator with the exact same problem and it is also 9 years old. Despite the fact that GE warns on the back of the frig that plastic tubing should not be used [bacause "it will dry out and crack"], for the water supply, they use it for the lines running from the water valve to the ice maker and water dispenser. It's an accident waiting to happen. In my case, to make matters worse, the tubing also cracked inside the entrance to the water valve.:mad:

I had to pry out the pressure nut and claw washer [destroyed] to get to and remove the remaining piece of tubing. I don't believe it's possible to remove the claw washer without making it unusable. I bought replacement tubing [polyethelene certified for food use] for less than $3.00 at Home Depot and inserted it into the water valve with the pressure nut and a prayer that it wouldn't leak. My prayer was not answered. I went back to Home Depot and bought Nashua Tape Stretch and Seal Silicone Sealing Tape, 1 In. x 10 Ft., Black. It's pricey at $6.87 but it seems worth it. It conforms to anything and it sealed the leak. At least, so far, and it's been over a week.:) The tape is a perhaps a little unprofessional but it works.

I called GE, by the way, to ask if they could recommend replacement tubing that would not crack and some advice on perhaps a better way to remove the pressure nut and claw washer. That was a waste of time.

If anybody has an answer to the pressure nut and claw washer issue I would appreciate hearing from you.

EdL ~ I don't see any reason to replace the valves if they are working.