How to Repair a Dishwasher Hinge

Shut off power to the dishwasher at the breaker panel.

Look at the placement of the hinge on the bottom-side of the door. Notice whether or not the hinge is hidden behind the side plate of the dishwasher or control panel. Loosen the screws to any plate or panel covering the hinges. In some cases, you will need to pull the entire dishwasher out of place, remove the top panel, kickplate and then side panels with an electrical drill or Phillips screwdriver to access the hinges.

Grab the end of the spring, securing the door hinge in place, with pliers, and lift it out of the coupler. Set the spring aside.

Unhook the spring from the door with your hand. Then loosen the screw securing the hinge to the side of the dishwasher with a Phillips screwdriver. Replace the spring with a new one, if you notice that the spring is cracked or broken. If not, set it aside for the moment and continue.

Notice that the hinge is positioned over one bolt on the side of the dishwasher. There is a locking washer that is holding the hinge on the bolt. Wedge the washer free with a flat-head screwdriver.

Replace the locking washer with a new one if the old one is corroded. A corroded washer could prevent the hinge from operating correctly.

Replace the entire hinge if it looks damaged or worn. With the dishwasher door open, slide the new hinge over the bolt with your fingers.

Spray a metal lubricant over the hinge hook that connects with the spring. Grease will reduce friction between the spring and hinge, which could reduce any squeaking noises.

Hook the old or new spring to the hinge hook with your hands. Then secure the other end of the spring to the coupler.

Repeat the process to fix or replace the hinge on the other side of the dishwasher.

Open and close the door to verify that the dishwasher hinges are now operating correctly.