How to Replace 902894 Dishwasher Door Gasket on Whirlpool & Maytag Dishwashers — Step-by-Step

You open your dishwasher after a cycle and there's a puddle on the kitchen floor. Again. The door gasket on your Maytag MDB7600AWW has been leaving small leaks for weeks, and now it's gotten worse. That rubber seal around the door opening is the only thing standing between clean dishes and a wet floor, and when it fails, you'll know immediately.

The 902894 door gasket (also sold as WP902894 and AP6013603) fits dozens of Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana dishwasher models. It's the perimeter seal that keeps water inside the tub during wash cycles. When it cracks, hardens, or pulls away from the tub, water escapes — usually right onto your floor.

What You Need Before Starting

This is one of the easier dishwasher repairs you'll tackle. Most people finish in under 15 minutes once they understand how the gasket channels work.

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Socket set (for some models with door panel screws)
• Clean cloth or towel
• Dish soap and warm water

Repair Time: Less than 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Safety First

Unplug your dishwasher or flip the circuit breaker before starting. Even though you're just replacing a gasket, you don't want the machine starting mid-repair. If your model has a kick plate at the bottom, you might need to access the junction box underneath — better safe than sorry.

Step 1: Remove the Old Door Gasket

Open the dishwasher door completely. The existing gasket is pressed into a channel that runs around the entire tub opening. Start at one corner and grab the gasket firmly. Pull it straight out of the channel — it's held by friction, not clips or screws. Work your way around the perimeter, pulling the old gasket free from the retaining groove. Some sections might resist if there's calcium buildup or dried detergent holding them in place.

Step 2: Clean the Gasket Channel

Once the old gasket is out, you'll see the channel where it sat. Use a damp cloth to wipe out any grime, hard water deposits, or old gasket residue. The channel needs to be clean and dry for the new gasket to seat properly. If you see white calcium buildup, use a bit of vinegar on your cloth to dissolve it. A clean channel means a watertight seal.

Step 3: Install the New 902894 Gasket

Take your new gasket out of the package and locate the corners — they're usually slightly thicker or have a more pronounced curve. Start at the top center of the tub opening and press the gasket lip into the channel. Use your thumbs to push the gasket firmly into place, working your way around one side at a time. The gasket has a specific profile — the bulb side faces outward toward the door, while the lip side presses into the channel. Don't stretch the gasket as you install it; let it follow its natural curve.

Step 4: Seat the Gasket Completely

Walk around the entire perimeter and run your finger along the gasket to make sure it's fully seated in the channel. You shouldn't see any sections standing up or pulled out. Pay special attention to the corners — these are where leaks usually start if the gasket isn't properly installed. Press down firmly at each corner to lock the gasket into the channel.

Step 5: Check Door Alignment

Close the dishwasher door and listen for a solid contact. The door should compress the gasket evenly all the way around. If you hear a gap or the door doesn't feel like it's sealing tightly, open it back up and check that the gasket is seated correctly. On models like the Maytag PDB4600AWE or DWU9920ABE, the door latch mechanism puts significant pressure on the gasket — you want that pressure distributed evenly.

Testing After Installation

Restore power to the dishwasher and run a short rinse cycle. Don't load any dishes yet — just let it fill and run for five minutes while you watch for leaks. Check the bottom corners first; that's where water shows up if the gasket isn't seated properly. If you see any moisture, stop the cycle, open the door, and reseat that section of gasket.

After a successful test cycle, run a full wash with dishes. The 902894 gasket should last several years if you keep the channel clean and avoid slamming the door.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dishwasher door gasket needs replacing?

The most obvious sign is water on the floor after a cycle. You might also notice the gasket looks cracked, feels hard instead of flexible, or has visible gaps where it's pulled away from the tub. If you run your hand along the gasket and feel dry, brittle sections, it's time to replace it. Some people also notice steam escaping during cycles — another sign the seal isn't working.

Will this gasket fit my Whirlpool or Amana dishwasher?

The 902894 fits a wide range of models including Maytag MDB series (MDB3700AWX, MDB6000AWW, MDB8600AWW), DWU series (DWU7400BAX, DWU8860BBB, DWU9200ABX), and PDB models (PDB1600AWE, PDB4600AWX). It also works on equivalent Whirlpool and Amana models that share the same tub design. Check your model number against the compatibility list, or pull out your existing gasket and compare the profile.

Can I use dish soap to help install the gasket?

Some technicians use a tiny bit of dish soap as a lubricant to help slide the gasket into the channel, but it's usually not necessary. If you do use soap, apply just a thin film to the channel — too much makes the gasket slippery and it won't stay seated. The gasket is designed to press in with thumb pressure alone. If you're struggling, make sure you're not stretching it as you install.