I get where you’re coming from, but I think shimming with a washer can actually be a pretty solid fix—at least for a while—depending on the situation. I know it’s not “factory spec,” but not every dishwasher hinge is easy to source parts for, especially if it’s an older or off-brand model. Sometimes, you end up waiting weeks for a replacement, or the cost just doesn’t make sense for a ten-year-old machine.
You mentioned:
If the hinge pins are worn, there’s a real risk the door won’t seal properly, and you could end up with leaks or even electrical issues if water gets where it shouldn’t.
That’s fair, but in my experience, a carefully placed washer (or even a stack of thin shims) can actually restore the alignment enough to get a good seal. I’ve done this on two different dishwashers—one was a Bosch, the other a GE—and both ran for another year or two before I finally replaced them. Never had any leaks or electrical issues, but I did make sure to check the seal with a flashlight and a piece of paper before calling it good.
I guess it comes down to how “permanent” you want the fix to be. If you’re planning to keep the dishwasher for another decade, yeah, hunt down the right parts and do it by the book. But if you’re just trying to squeeze another year out of it or you’re in a rental, sometimes a quick shim is all you need. Just keep an eye on it and don’t ignore any weird noises or drips.
Honestly, I think there’s a place for both approaches. Not every repair has to be a full teardown and rebuild, especially if you’re handy and willing to monitor things. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough... at least until the next thing breaks.
- Totally agree that shimming can be a legit workaround, especially when parts are impossible to find or just not worth the hassle.
- Like you said,
—I’ve done similar with a dryer door latch and it held up for ages.“sometimes a quick shim is all you need”
- One thing I always wonder: do you use metal or nylon washers for this? I’ve seen both, but I’m never sure which holds up better long-term.
- Also, curious if anyone’s tried 3D printing a custom shim or hinge part? Seems like it could be a game changer for these oddball repairs.
“sometimes a quick shim is all you need”
That’s the truth—sometimes it’s the $0.10 fix that saves the day. I’ve used both metal and nylon, but honestly, I lean toward nylon for anything that might see moisture (like dishwashers). Metal can rust or seize up over time, especially if the seal isn’t perfect. Anyone ever had a shim actually *cause* more trouble down the line? I had one rattle loose once and it sounded like the dishwasher was eating itself...
Yeah, that rattling sound is the worst—makes you think something way more expensive is about to go wrong. I’ve had a shim work loose before, too, and it drove me nuts until I tracked it down. I totally get why you prefer nylon; metal just isn’t worth the risk in damp spots. One thing I started doing is adding a dab of silicone adhesive to hold the shim in place, especially if it’s somewhere I can’t check regularly. It’s not permanent, but it keeps things from shifting around and making noise.
Funny thing, I once thought my dishwasher was dying because of a weird grinding sound, but it turned out to be a tiny piece of plastic shim that got sucked into the pump. Took me forever to find it. Sometimes those quick fixes end up being their own little adventure... but honestly, I’d still take that over paying for a service call any day.
Took me forever to find it. Sometimes those quick fixes end up being their own little adventure...
I get the appeal of silicone adhesive, but honestly, I try to avoid using any kind of glue or sealant inside appliances if I can help it. Even the stuff that says it’s “safe” can sometimes give off weird fumes when things heat up, and I’m just not into adding more chemicals to the mix. I’ve had better luck with just wedging a bit of cork in there—holds tight, doesn’t rattle, and it’s compostable if it ever falls out. Might not work for every spot, but it’s saved me a headache or two.