DI290130 (01) Gaggenau Dishwasher - Overview

There are two ways to do this repair: the "right" way and the hard way. I chose the hard way, as the right way involves disconnecting the dishwasher plumbing, removing the dishwasher from under the counter, taking all the outer panels off, and disabling the door springs. There are good YouTube videos on this. The hard way doesn't involve that -- but is not all that easy and I'm not sure I'd recommend it. The problem, in essence, is that to install the new seal there is now way to do it without taking the door off the machine and taking the door apart -- which requires that the springs be locked out, if not disabled.

I accomplished that part of it by opening the door, partially, undoing the two screws on each side which hold the hinges, taking the front panel off (piece of cake, with a Torx driver),slipping the door partly off the hinges, and then locking the hinges open with the pry bars.

There are an assortment of ways one could seriously damage either the door or one's self doing it that way -- the hinge springs are very powerful -- so I don't recommend my approach.

REMOVED DISHWASHER FROM CABINET. DETACHED BASE FROM BODY OF THE DISHWASHER. INSTALLED NEW CORD, REATTACHED BASE TO BODY OF DISHWASHER AND REINSTALLED IN CABINET. OPINION: THIS IS A LENGTHY REPAIR AND UNNECESSARY ONE. THE CORD IS PART OF THE DOOR COUNTERWEIGHT AND SUBJECT TO TENSION EVERY TIME THE DOOR IS OPENED, AS WELL AS POTENTIAL CHAFFING DUE TO PROXIMITY TO VARIOUS METAL PARTS, AND VIBRATION. THE CORD SHOULD BE MADE OF STRONGER MATERIAL AND ARMORED OR ALLOWED MORE CLEARANCE. BOSCH SHOULD FIX TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE DISHWASHER.

I removed the old gasket easily, it pulled right out. I spent a few minutes cleaning the gunk out from the seam using a standard kitchen cleaner (it was gross and I had to do it multiple times). Tip: pay attention to the shape of the gasket and which side faces in vs. out when pulling out the old one. Also, for reference, take a photo of the old gasket and how it's positioned before pulling it out. Then, simply start at the bottom (either side) and insert the new gasket. Work your way up, over and down the other side. If it's facing the right way it'll go in very easily, if not is will be very difficult—this is how you'll know. After installation, run your dishwasher empty for a full cycle (with towel underneath the door) and check back frequently during the cycle. If there are no leaks you're done. This was the fastest, easiest way to attempt to fix a leaky door and eliminate the gasket as the problem (which it did!) If the machine still leaks the issue is likely something bigger.