We’ve all had problems with the dishwasher, at least for once, right? And, the problem that we face most of the time has something to do with the dishwasher door.
A dishwasher door works with the help of springs on the door hinge. The springs are responsible for the smooth opening and closing of the dishwasher door.
If you find the dishwasher door slamming to the floor while opening it, it’s likely that one or both springs are broken. It happens due to the frequent opening of the door.
Instead of spending dollars on purchasing a new dishwasher or calling an expert for fixing the springs, you can replace the springs by yourself!
If you’re confident enough, just follow this guide carefully, and you’ll eventually learn how to replace a dishwasher door spring.
How To Replace A Dishwasher Door Spring- The Steps
Step 1: Disconnect Electrical Power And Water Supply To The Dishwasher
The first and foremost thing you should do is switch off the circuit breaker to disconnect electrical power running to the dishwasher. If you live in an old house, there should be a fuse, which you will need to remove from the fuse box. To confirm that the dishwasher is disconnected, make sure you can’t use the control panel.
For disconnecting the water supply to the dishwasher, turn off the water supply valve located either under the sink or in the basement.
Step 2: Remove The ScrewsAt The Top Of The Dishwasher
If the dishwasher is connected to the cabinet, you will need to take it out. Look for screws located underneath the lip of the cabinet. If you find that the screws secure the dishwasher to the cabinet with the help of brackets, take a screwdriver and then remove the screws.
If your dishwasher isn’t screwed to the cabinet and is movable, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Remove The ScrewsAt The Bottom Of The Dishwasher
Look at the bottom under the dishwasher door. You will find a couple of screws located on either side of the cover plate. Slide the cover plate out. Take a wrench and turn each leg to lower the height of the dishwasher. Continue turning the legs until you see a space between the dishwasher and the cabinet.
When turning the legs, make sure to count the number of turns so that you can readjust the dishwasher’s height to the same height as it had before.
Step 4: Gently Pull Out The Dishwasher
Gently slide the dishwasher by holding the bottom of the door with one hand, and the top with the other. Keep slide the dishwasher until you’re able to access the back area of it. You might need to yank the dishwasher back and forth to unlock it from the cabinets.
Step 5: Disconnect The Garbage Disposal Hose
If you find it difficult to pull out the dishwasher, there might not be enough slack in the garbage disposal line. Look under the sink and find the tube that connects the dishwasher and the garbage disposal. Take a screwdriver and unscrew the bracket that secures the garbage disposal under the sink.
Since the hose is now hanging freely, you can either stuff the opening with a clean towel or place a bucket under it.
Step 6: Check To See If The Door Spring Is Damaged
Take a look at the door spring located on the side of the dishwasher. If the metal spring is bent or broken, you will need to purchase a new dishwasher door spring. Open the dishwasher door and find the model number.
Since dishwasher parts aren’t universal, you will need to purchase them according to the model number. Use the model number to purchase a replacement door spring.
Step 7: Remove The Old Door Spring
The ends of the spring are hooked to the link kit and the door frame. With the help of pliers, pull the spring out from the rear bracket and remove the link kit cord from the spring. Then pull out the other end of the spring from the door frame.
Step 8: Attach One End Of The New Door Spring To The Link Kit Cord
Take the new door spring and insert one of its hooks through the hole on the end of the link kit cord. Make the link kit cord taut by slightly pulling the door spring. Check to see if the link kit cord is resting on the groove located in the middle of each pulley roller. If you find the cord falling off the track, put it back into place.
Step 9: Attach The Other End Of The New Door Spring To The Door Frame
With one hand, firmly hold the end of the door spring that is connected to the link kit cord. Use the other hand to pull out the end of the door spring up to three inches. Grab the hook and hang it around the washer frame. Then slide it through the hole located on the dishwasher door frame.
Step 10: Slide The Dishwasher Back Into Place
If the dishwasher was previously connected to the cabinet, gently slide it back into the cabinet and reinstall the screws. For lowered legs, take a wrench and use it to readjust the legs until the top of the dishwasher is in contact with the top of the countertop. Also, re-attach the garbage disposal hose if you’ve previously taken it out.
Step 11: Restore Electrical Power And Water Supply
Switch on the circuit breaker or insert the fuse in the fuse box. Also, turn on the water supply valve. Check to see if there are any leaks in the dishwasher.
Final Word
While this guide helps you learn how to replace a dishwasher door spring, note that you will be doing it at your own risk. Since appliance maintenance can be hazardous, you should be able to work with tools properly and take safety precautions before deciding to replace the door spring.
If you’re unsure about your technical skills, it’s a good idea to call a qualified technician who’ll do the work for you. Although you will need to pay for the service, you and your family will remain safe from hazardous incidents.
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