How to replace a dishwasher door spring
The spring on the dishwasher door hinge controls the door's opening and closing, so the door doesn't drop open or slam shut. If the dishwasher door falls open quickly without any resistance, it's likely that at least one of the dishwasher door springs is broken. Replace both at the same time to ensure that the control tension is the same on both sides of the door.
Follow the instructions below for replacing the dishwasher door hinge assembly tension spring using a manufacturer-approved dishwasher part. Also see our other dishwasher repair guides for more repair help and to find the right parts.
These steps show how to replace the dishwasher door hinge tension spring on Kenmore, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir and Amana dishwashers when the dishwasher door falls open too quickly. You also can use a similar process to replace the tension spring on some GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Samsung, Bosch and LG dishwashers.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off electrical power and water supply to the dishwasher
Flip the house circuit breaker switch to the Off position to completely disconnect electrical power to the dishwasher (some older homes instead have a fuse that you remove from the fuse box). To verify that power is disconnected, make sure the display on the control panel can't be activated.
Find the water supply valve for the dishwasher under the sink (or in the basement). Close the valve to shut off the water supply going to the dishwasher.
- 02.
Remove the bottom front access panel and toe panel
Using a 1/4-inch nut driver, remove the screws that hold the front access panel in place. Pull the access panel and the toe panel forward, remove them and set them aside.
PHOTO: Remove the bottom front access panel screws.
- 03.
Pull out the dishwasher
The junction box is at the front of the dishwasher just behind the bottom front access panel. Remove the cover on the junction box and disconnect the wires.
Remove the 2 mounting screws from the brackets that secure the dishwasher in the cabinet opening.
Pull the dishwasher out from under the counter. You should have enough slack in the water supply line and the drain hose to pull the dishwasher in front of the counter opening for the dishwasher.
Tip: You might have enough slack in the electrical supply wiring to pull out the dishwasher without disconnecting the wires.
PHOTO: Remove the junction box cover.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wires.
- 04.
Remove the springs
Check the door spring on the side of the dishwasher. If the spring is intact, note the position of the spring on the front and rear bracket. The new tension spring usually should be in the same position to provide the proper opening/closing tension.
Using pliers, release the spring from the rear bracket. Then remove the door spring from the door hinge at the front of the dishwasher.
Repeat for the spring on the other side of the dishwasher.
Tip: The spring is under tension. Use caution when releasing the spring so it doesn't snap and hit your hand.
PHOTO: How the tension spring attaches to the door hinge.
PHOTO: Release the tension spring from the rear bracket.
PHOTO: Remove the tension spring from the door hinge.
- 05.
Attach the new springs
Attach the new springs on the front door hinges the same way the original springs were installed.
Using pliers, carefully position the springs on the brackets at the back of the dishwasher.
- 06.
Reinstall the dishwasher
Carefully push the dishwasher under the counter. Reconnect the wires in the junction box and reinstall the junction box cover.
Insert the screws into the mounting brackets that secure the dishwasher in the counter and tighten the screws.
Position the toe panel on the dishwasher and then position the access panel in front of the toe panel. Insert the mounting screws and tighten the screws firmly.
Tip: Refer to the dishwasher's installation manual for additional guidance. - 07.
Restore the water supply and electrical power
Open the water supply valve to restore the water supply to the dishwasher. Reset the house circuit breaker to restore electrical power. Test the dishwasher and check for leaks.
Tip: Carefully check seals in the dishwasher for water leaks.
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