How do I fit a replacement door hinge to my Hotpoint WM63 Aquarius 1100?

Lieutenant Columbo's answer worked for me and no need to despair like S Moores. Holding the backplate in place through the rubber seal while you remove the old hinge and replace it can be done - so long as you've got a reasonalby strong hand and someone to hold the door, with replacement hinge fitted, in position while you screw it on.

RDM

RDM
November 2008

Thanks a gazillion to Chris Brown. Your advice helped us alot. We have a Hotpoint washing machine aquarius 1100 WM63 and luckily after taking the top off we realised we were able to slip our hand down to hold the back of the door hinge in place. My only advice is before you attempt the repair looks at all options coz we were just about to attempt the repair from the underneath of the machine (which would of meant removing the breeze block)

Carrie Roberio
June 2008

I unscrewed the hinge and the back plate fell down inside the machine. this meant taking off the top (3 screws) and the back cover (about 15 screws) - I could then get the fallen back plate easily but you can't reach to where it fits 'cos of the drum.

To fit the backplate in to position I dangled it from a piece of wire (tied on with masking tape) then managed to press it in position with my hand in the rubber seal (as answer 1) and enter the screws. Pulled the wire out, leaving a bit of masking tape there forever....

For info my model is a WD61 Hotpoint Aquarius 1100 Washer/Dryer but probably exactly the same procedure. In 10 years of heavy use I've fitted brushes 3 times, a new door interlock, a new pump, a new heater element and re-solded a coroded connector, plus now a new hinge. All bought off eBay for pennies and fitted on instruction from this site - MAY THANKS.

Chris Brown
March 2007

As long as you're aware of the position of the backing plate that the hinge screws grip on to (it's located behind the actual washing machine casing, in line with the door hinge) it is possible to fit yourself. Remember - if you do not hold the plate in place, it will fall into the washing machine when the screws are loosened.


The knack is to place your fingers into the rubber seal around the door, near to where the plate is, feeling around until you locate it. This will hold it in place while you remove each screw, and replace the hinge.

This job is much easier with an extra pair of hands!

Lieutenant Columbo
August 2006

All I can tell you is don't try this yourself! I bought a new door catch for hubby to fit and it is designed to fall inside the machine when you take it off, apparently this is to deter you doing it yourself and calling an engineer out (so engineer said). It is a design feature.

I suppose as long as you are aware of this it may be possible but we had to call engineer out in the end.

S Moores
December 2005