How to replace the torsion springs in the Whirlpool and Kitchenaid built-in microwave oven doors. These springs help take some of the weight off the door when it is opened, but once one or both of them break, the door becomes noticeably heavy when opened. And often times, the failure will be accompanied by a loud pop just before the door falls out of your hand. Well replacing the springs isn’t too difficult, but several screws and parts need to be removed to get to the springs themselves. I have provided the following photos as a kind of visual aid to completing this repair. And the parts needed are different whether you have a stainless door panel versus, white, black, or biscuit, so be sure and order the correct parts. Usually only one spring will break, but replacing both is not much more money, and then you will have two new springs to hopefully last a bit longer. As usual, if this looks like it might be a bit to much to do yourself, please consult a trained technical professional to get the job done for you. Click on the images to enlarge.
As always, begin by turning off the power to the appliance. Never do any of these repairs with power to the unit as you will be in contact with live voltage if you do.
Begin by removing the inside bottom screws holding the trim strips in place. Once each screw is out, the trim can be pulled out bottom first and slid down until free. Up on the control panel is a screw that will become exposed once the trim pieces are out of the way. Remove both screws an set aside. Also loosen any mounting screws holding the oven to the cabinet about 1/2 inch. This will allow you to pull the unit away from the cabinet preventing possible damage.
Below the control panel is a grill with three screws holding it in place. Remove all three screws and remove the grill from the frame. The control panel can be pulled out from the bottom to aid in removal.
Below the microwave door is another grill, this time with four screws. Remove these screws and the grill and set aside. If yours is a microwave only, there is no bottom grill, but the bottom trim will also need to be removed. Once screw on each end.
Behind the bottom grill are two mounting screws holding the microwave in place. Remove the one on the right and on the left.
Now that all the screws and grills are removed, open the microwave door and pull slowly toward you. The microwave will slide out of it’s enclosure with a bit of side to side movement. Continue to pull out until the microwave section is just a few inches out of the enclosure. Do not pull any further than half way or the entire unit will end up on the floor.
We now need to remove the door panels by loosening the two screws that secure the lower half of the door. These screws hold clips that are the same color as the door and hold the bottom half together. Do not remove the screws, just take them loose enough to allow the clip to release the door panel.
Next, open the door and while holding the door handle securely, use a small screwdriver to loosen the two screws holding the upper part of the door. when these screws come loose, the inner portion of the door may try and close due to the weight being removed so be prepared. Also, the door will likely come off in your hand so having a good hold on the handle is a must. Once off, the door panel can be placed out of the way to avoid damage.
Our next part to remove is the inner door frame and the reason for pulling the microwave out from the cabinet. If you look under the bottom of the door, there are two screws that hold the entire inner portion of that frame to the actual door assembly. Hold onto the frame while both screws are removed, then set it aside. Be very careful of this frame because it is the most likely thing you will break while completing this repair.
With the frame removed, we can now see the torsion springs and how they are routed. Well this photo is of new springs, yours are probably broken. Remove any remaining parts paying attention to how they slide into the ends. Now it is time to install the new springs and get this door working again.
The routing of each spring is important as they will only work one way. I have included these two photos showing the spring ends and how each spring sits in the hinge. The springs are held in place by tension and can be easily slid into place while the door is closed. Once the new springs are in place, open the door and verify the operation. If all is well, put the unit back together opposite the way it came apart and it should be ready for use.