How to Replace The Lower Dishwasher Door Seal

If your dishwasher is leaking from the front, it's almost certain that a damaged or perished door seal is to blame.

Most types of dishwasher have two different door seals in them. They have the three-sided upper door seal, and they also have the lower door seal which runs just along the bottom of the door.

If you need to replace the lower door seal but are unsure where to start, there’s no need to panic. We’ll talk you through how to successfully replace the lower door seal without damaging your dishwasher.

If you find that it is the upper door seal that is the problem, then this is actually easier to replace, because you do not need to remove the door to do it - please see a different video to assist you with this: How To Replace The Upper Dishwasher Door Seal

This video shows an example on how to remove or replace the lower door seal on a typical machine, some models may be different but the procedure should be similar.

• Lower Door Seal
• Torx and Flat Head Screwdrivers
• Pliers

Safety First! Please make sure that you have switched your appliance off at the mains before starting your repair.

Okay then, well before you remove the door you need to complete a couple of little tasks in readiness for this to happen...start by removing the top and side panels, (in this case using a Torx head screwdriver) - because this will allow you to get to the hinges.

For some added convenience, you can remove the baskets at this stage too.

You will notice that the hinges are held under tension by a spring and pulley system, and these hinges need to be unhooked. To do this you need to close the door, to relieve the tension, and then use your pliers as a third hand to remove the plastic cover to unhook the part of the pulley system.

All you need to do then is to repeat this process on the other side.

Here goes then - let’s remove that door now! Note: Please be careful because the door will be heavy, and could easily fall open - so always make sure it’s closed properly.

You need to remove the front panel of the door, and so need to take off the kickplate first (it should just be able to pull off). There are three screws on either side of the door which requires removing. Once unscrewed you can now take the door away from the appliance. 

eSpares Top Tip: The use of a flat head screwdriver will be key to removing the door. Using the flat head, pry open the metal clips and then carefully pull the door away.

Lay the door down - but be aware that it will still be attached by wires, so you can’t move the door very far. The hinges should be protected by a piece of plastic, this can be pulled away with no effort. The seal is sandwiched between the hinge and the inner part of the door, and there are two screws on either side which need to be removed.

With the hinges now loose, you can put them to one side. Now you can remove the old door seal and fit the replacement, (be sure that you fit it the correct way round).

All the hard work is done…now everything has to be put back together again! Simply follow this guide backwards and you’ll be using your dishwasher again in no time. However don’t forget to reattach the hinge pulley system, this could be overlooked but it is imperative to your dishwasher door opening and closing safely.

You have now successfully been able to replace your dishwasher lower door seal! You can now get back to being able to have the dishwasher do all the hard work, rather than putting on your gloves and scrubbing.