How to Replace a Torsion Spring in a KitchenAid Superba Microwave

You can replace the torsion springs in the microwave door yourself.

When open, the door’s weight is partly held up by two torsion springs inside the microwave housing at the bottom. If a spring breaks, a loud pop may occur and the door feels much heavier. Replace broken springs to restore the microwave door to its former springiness.

1. Purchase the correct torsion spring for your model of Superba microwave. Each model number of the Superba denotes a different color: model KEHC309JBL08 is black, model KEHC309JWH08 is white, model KEHC309JBT08 is biscuit, and model KEHC309JSS08 is stainless steel. All models use the same left spring, but the stainless steel model uses a blue-tipped spring on the right. The other models use a yellow-tipped right spring. Buy both springs before dismantling your microwave. Even if only one spring is broken, it is a good idea to replace both.

2. Turn off the electricity to the microwave at the breaker. Never attempt any repair without cutting the power first.

3. Remove the trim screws at the bottom corners on the sides of the microwave. Slide the trim pieces down and take them off. Remove the two screws near the control panel that you can see once the trim is removed.

4. Loosen all the mounting screws that hold the microwave to the cabinet housing. Unscrew them about one-half inch but do not remove them all the way. Pull the entire built-in unit out of the cabinet housing a few inches to give yourself work space and to keep from damaging the cabinetry.

5. Open the microwave door and remove the three screws holding the grill in place at the top of the microwave below the control panel. Pull the grill forward to remove it. Pull the bottom edge of the control panel out a few inches to give yourself more space.

6. Close the microwave door. If you have the model without the conventional oven, remove the two trim screws on either side and take off the trim. If you have the model with the conventional oven on the bottom, open the oven door. Remove the four screws holding the grill under the microwave door and remove the grill.

7. Remove the two mounting screws on either corner at the bottom of the microwave. Open the microwave door. Pull the microwave by the door straight out of the unit housing, wiggling it from side to side. Pull it out only a few inches. Do not pull it more than halfway out of the housing or it will fall on the floor. Close the microwave door.

8. Locate the door panel clips at the bottom of the microwave door. They are the same color as the door. Loosen the screws on the bottom edge of the door panel that hold the clips in place. Unscrew them only far enough so that the clips release the door panel. Do not remove the screws entirely.

9. Open the microwave door and hold it by the handle that is now under the door. Keep a firm grip on the door handle because you will be removing the outer door panel from the door and the panel will come off during this step. Loosen, but do not remove, the screws at each corner of the inside of the door nearest you, which is the top of the door when it is closed. As you loosen these screws, weight is lifted from the spring mechanism in the hinges and the inner door may try to spring closed. Keep your grip on the door panel so it does not fall if this occurs. Remove the door panel and set it aside. Close the microwave door.

10. Hold the inner door frame securely in one hand. If you don’t keep a grip on this frame during this step, it may fall and break. Remove the two screws on the bottom edge that hold this frame to the door assembly. Remove the frame and set it aside. At the bottom of the door opening you will see the torsion springs. Although one is probably broken, they form a short, wide X shape below the door across the front of the microwave. Do not remove the old springs yet.

11. Inspect the ends of both springs and note how they fit into the brackets at each end. Take a close-up digital picture of it if it will help. With the configuration memorized, remove the old springs and install the new ones in the same way. The L-shaped part of each spring will be on the top, hooking into the lower bracket at the end and curving around the upper bracket. The springs will cross in the middle. They will go in only one way. Open and close the door to test them.

12. Reassemble the unit in the reverse order that you took it apart. Turn the power back on at the breaker.

Warning

Never attempt appliance repair without turning off the electricity.