[dcolello]

I've got a GE PDW7800 dishwasher that has a bottom door seal which is brittle and cracked, which causes occasional leaks. I've got a new door seal (GE part SEAL SHORT BOT DOOR -- WD08X10019 ) but am having a heck of a time getting the old one off.

It seems that the old seal needs to slide off to the left or right of the door itself. But, the metal brackets the connect the door to the unit are in the way. So, the door needs to be removed from the brackets. In order to do that, there are a 2 torx screws on either side of the door frame (once you've removed the exterior panel and insulation) that need to be removed. However, even after removing the torx screws, it seems that the metal arms that connect the door to the unit are crimped to the metal pieces on the door itself. So, I can't seem to get the door off of those metal arms.

Another way to go about this would be to remove the white plastic part of the door from all the metal it's attached to, but it again seems that there are 2 places where the white plastic has been pushed though (injected) the metal and which forever bind the white plastic to the metal backing in the door.

Am I missing something? Can I just snap the old seal off and snap the new one on in place without removing any screws at all?

Any help here would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[rms2112]

Mine is a different model than yours but from your description sounds like we have similar door designs... I am not a trained professional so I am meticulous and take my time...

I also took a picture of the door to be able to see where the wiring was as I removed all the connectors to allow me to take the door completely off the hinges... I had to remove the switch on the latch as it was also wired but direct wired with no connectors... Everything was done with the power to the dishwasher turned off at the breaker...

Ok... so here is what I did... After removing the sheet metal front panel (painted) and seeing the same scenario as you described.. I took a picture of the door for reference and then removed the wired connectors ( after first turning off the power to the dishwasher)...

Once all the wiring was clear I could remove the door completely, I pulled the unit out far enough to gain side access to the hinges and springs... After disengaging the hinge springs, I removed the side torx screws (1 each, left and right hinge) at the hinges and the door was easily lifted off...

Flipping the door upside down, I could literally peel off the old seal and press the new seal into place firmly. Once the seal was firmly in place, I retraced my steps and re-assembled the door, connect springs, connected wiring and put the decorative front panel back in place... Powered it up and no leaking!!

Good Luck, take your time...

[rms2112]

I will just add... after doing this replacement once, I believe I could do it again without removing the door... just opening the door flat, peeling off the old seal as it is flexible and just fits into a mating male channel..

Then firmly pressing the new seal into place working across the seal in a small area at a time...

[dcolello]

Thanks for all the info!

I was figuring that I'd need to take the whole door off as you suggest, but wasn't sure if those two brackets would still prevent me from sliding off the seal. Now I know that the seal can be taken off and put back on without worry.

I will, however, try to just pop off the seal and ease a new one on to see if that's possible without disconnecing and removing the whole door.

Just in case, though, I gotta make sure I have enough time for the full door removal. Otherwise, I'll be doing hand-washing for a while if I can't get the seal back on!

[TheMrBillShow]

Replacing the bottom door seal on a GE dishwasher is super easy...

It should take about 5 minutes total time, and all you need is a regular pliers...

The bottom door "seal" is more of a "splash guard" and is a flexible strip of plastic thar clips onto a steel bar on the bottom of the door... you can't see this bar without taking the door apart, but you don't need to, and it is easy to feel it...

Step 1 - Just pull the old strip off by pulling it from one end (right or left) in the direction that would be "DOWN" if the door were closed... here is where you may need that pliers... grab it on the far-right or far-left, and give it a good yank... it will pull right off... As you take it off make note of the orientation so you replace it with the same orientation...

Step 2 - Now "The Trick"... in the clip-on groove on the top edge of the seal you put some liquid dishwashing detergent (or liquid hand soap) and a little water liberally in the groove, so it's nice and slippery (I use an old tooth brush to spread the soapy water all over the inside of this groove)...

Step 2a - Alternatively you can spay the groove with some silicon spray (any spray lube other than silicone may damage, or melt, the plastic)

Step 3 - Start at one end and just firmly press the new strip onto the metal bar... You'll hear it, and feel it, pop right on...

Step 4 - Center the strip in the door opening, it will slide right and left fairly easy if it is on right...

That's it, you are DONE...

~ TMBS ~