How to Install Dishwasher Door Hinge Lever 00498928 in a Thermador Dishwasher
Quick answer: Unplug the dishwasher, remove the kick plate and slide the unit out to reach the side of the tub. Latch the door, unhook the spring rope from the lever, unpin the old lever from the hinge arm, fit lever 00498928 with the rope in its slot, retension the spring and confirm the door holds at any angle.
The door hinge lever 00498928 is the metal link that connects the door hinge arm to the hinge spring on a Thermador or Bosch built dishwasher. The spring sits along the side of the tub and pulls on the lever through a short rope or cable, which is what lets the door float open and stay where you leave it. When the lever cracks, bends or wears through at the pin hole, the door drops open with a bang, hangs crooked on one side and may no longer close square enough for the latch to catch.
This lever supersedes several earlier numbers and is listed in our fitment data for 671 dishwasher models, including many Bosch and Kenmore Elite machines built on the same chassis. Reaching it usually means pulling the dishwasher partly out of the cabinet, since the lever sits at the lower front corner of the tub behind the side panel. The spring is strong, so the door must stay latched while the lever is off. Confirm your model on the label at the door edge before ordering.
See part details and every compatible model: 00498928
- Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker; the junction box is behind the kick plate.
- Shut off the water supply and be ready for a little water from the inlet hose if the unit is pulled out.
- The door spring is under strong tension. Keep the door latched, wear eye protection and keep your face out of line with the spring.
- Do not let the dishwasher tip forward when it is pulled out with the door open.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Torx and Phillips screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Flashlight
- Work gloves and eye protection
- Adjustable wrench for the leveling legs
- Cardboard or a blanket to protect the floor
- Helper to slide the dishwasher
Step-by-Step Installation
- Power down and free the unit Unplug the dishwasher, remove the kick plate and the screws that anchor the unit to the counter or cabinet sides. Lower the leveling legs slightly.
- Slide the dishwasher out With a helper, ease the dishwasher forward a few inches until the lower front corner of the tub side is visible. Keep the door latched.
- Locate the lever and spring Shine a flashlight on the hinge arm at the bottom of the door. Follow the rope from the hinge lever 00498928 back to the spring hooked along the tub side, and note the exact routing.
- Release the spring tension Unhook the spring from its rear anchor or pull the rope off the lever slot with pliers, letting tension off slowly.
- Remove the old lever Pull the retaining pin or clip that holds the lever to the hinge arm and lift the lever out. Inspect the hinge arm hole for wear.
- Fit the new lever Seat the new lever on the hinge arm in the same orientation and secure it with the pin or clip. Hook the rope end into the lever slot.
- Retension the spring Stretch the spring back onto its anchor. Compare with the other side so both springs are in matching positions.
- Test the door Open the door slowly and release it at several angles. It should stay put and close without slamming.
- Reinstall Slide the dishwasher back, refit the anchor screws and kick plate, restore water and power and run a rinse cycle while checking for leaks.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- The door holds at any angle and does not drop.
- Both hinge levers and springs are in matching positions so the door feels balanced.
- The rope runs straight from the lever to the spring with no rubbing on the tub or frame.
- The door closes square and the latch engages without lifting the door.
- No clicking or scraping when the door moves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Working with the door open With the door open the spring is fully stretched. Latch the door before touching the lever or rope.
Replacing only one side If one lever failed the other has the same wear. Inspect it and replace both if there is any cracking.
Wrong lever orientation The lever has a specific slot direction for the rope. Installed backwards the rope chafes and the door pulls unevenly.
Forgetting the anchor screws A dishwasher that is not re-anchored tips forward when the door is loaded.
Troubleshooting After Installation
Door still drops The rope may have slipped out of the lever slot or the spring is not on its anchor. Recheck both while the door is latched.
Door too stiff to open A spring is hooked in a hole that gives too much tension or the two sides do not match. Move it to match the other side.
Scraping noise when opening The rope is rubbing the tub side or the lever is not seated on the pin. Reroute the rope and reseat the lever.
Water on the floor after reinstall The inlet hose or drain hose was disturbed when the unit was moved. Check both connections and the door seal alignment.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Open and close the door gently; dropping it stresses the levers and rope.
- Do not stand on or load heavy items on the open door.
- Inspect the levers and ropes yearly when the kick plate is off for cleaning.
- Keep the area beside the tub dry to prevent corrosion of the spring.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 671 Thermador models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.
Replaces or is replaced by: 00494772, 00630783, 00772845, 00773851, 10028963, 12054183
Repair Difficulty and Time
Difficulty: Advanced. Typical time: 60 to 90 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really have to pull the dishwasher out?
On most installations yes, because the lever and spring are beside the tub behind the side panel. A few installations with open cabinet sides allow access without moving the unit.
Is this the same as the door spring?
No. The lever connects the hinge to the spring rope. If the spring itself is stretched or broken, it is a separate part.
Will this lever fit my Bosch or Kenmore Elite dishwasher?
The lever is listed for many Bosch and Kenmore Elite models built on the same chassis. Confirm your model number in the compatible list.
Why does my door hang crooked?
One lever or rope has failed, so only one side is counterbalanced. Replacing the lever restores even tension on both sides.
Final Checklist
- Power off and water off
- Kick plate and anchor screws removed
- Dishwasher slid out with a helper, door latched
- Rope routing noted before removal
- Spring tension released safely
- New lever 00498928 pinned to the hinge arm and rope hooked
- Spring retensioned to match the other side
- Door balance tested, unit re-anchored, leak check done