How to replace the Whirlpool dishwasher hinge brace W10850371

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher door acting up, leaving you concerned about a bent or broken hinge brace? Don’t worry—fixing it is easier than you think! Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch the included video tutorial below to effortlessly get your dishwasher door back on track, ensuring smooth operation and peace of mind.

Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!

Got a Whirlpool dishwasher door that’s feeling wobbly or off-center? It could be a bent or broken hinge brace, part number W10850371. This little metal support plays a big role in keeping the door properly aligned. The good news? Swapping it out is quick and simple. Grab a few tools, and I’ll walk you through how to get it done without breaking a sweat.

WATCH: How to install hinge brace

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you’ll need

Gather the following tools and parts ahead of time to make sure you have an efficient repair:

• Torx T15 screwdriver
• 1/4 inch nut driver
• Replacement hinge brace (part #W10850371) Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your model.
• Protective gloves & eyewear

Safety first!

Safety comes first when working on any appliance. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe:

• Always turn off the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker before starting. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work at a steady pace to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep your area organized and free of clutter, and ensure children and pets are kept away from the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Make sure both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Check your appliance’s user manual for specific instructions or safety guidelines related to your repair.
• Handle parts gently to prevent damaging the appliance or injuring yourself by using too much force.
• Wear safety glasses if you’re dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections before disconnecting anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Remove the door panel

1. Before you start any repair work on your appliance, make sure your appliance is unplugged from the power source or turned off at the circuit breakers. Also, make sure to turn off the water so there are no leaks.  
2. Start by fully opening the dishwasher door. Locate the 3 Torx T15 screws on each side of the inner door panel. Carefully remove all 6 screws using your T15 screwdriver.
3. Once all the screws are out, slowly close the dishwasher door. The inner panel will release from the outer control panel and drop down slightly. 
4. Gently pull the inner panel off, tilting it to remove from the hinge mounts. Set the door panel aside in a safe place.
5. With the inner door panel removed, you’ll have full access to the faulty hinge brace. Start by unclipping the wiring harness that is mounted on top of the brace. Simply flex the harness and it will easily detach.
6. Next, use the 1/4 inch nut driver to remove the screw holding the ground wire to the hinge brace. This will allow you to maneuver the brace without damaging the ground wire.
7. Now use the nut driver to remove the two screws that anchor the hinge brace ends to the door hinges. With the screws out, flex the plastic brace near the hinges to dislodge it. The old brace likely has small locking tabs that fit into the hinges, so some force may be required. 
8. Remove one side, then the other. The damaged hinge brace can now be fully removed from the dishwasher.

Install the replacement 

1. First, inspect the new replacement hinge brace and identify the optimal holes to use for mounting it back onto the door hinges. You want to position the brace so it sits in tension when installed.
2. Align one end of the new brace with the selected holes on the hinge. Slot that end into place, positioning it behind the wiring to avoid pinching. Next, flex the other end of the brace to hook it onto the opposite hinge’s holes.
3. Double check that the wiring harness is still routed cleanly over the brace, then replace the ground wire screw. Use the nut driver to securely fasten the two end screws into the door hinges. The new hinge brace is now correctly installed.
4. With the repair complete, you can now reattach the inner door panel. Orient the panel so the notch tabs fit behind each door hinge mount.
5. Carefully lift the dishwasher door while aligning the inner panel. The tabs on the top should fit cleanly into the outer control panel. Once aligned, open the dishwasher door fully to hold the panel in place.
6. Use the T15 screwdriver to reinsert and tighten all 6 screws into the inner door panel (3 per side). This secures the panel back onto the door. Close the dishwasher door and do a final check that everything is replaced properly.
7. Plug your dishwasher back in or turn on the circuit breaker. Run a short test cycle and open/close the door several times. Make sure the door hinge motion is smooth and the brace functions normally. You’ve now successfully replaced the hinge brace!

More Information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the hinge brace in your Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag dishwasher. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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