I ordered a new door hinge and whilst removing the old hinge, a back plate seemed to drop into the washing machine meaning there is nowhere to screw the new hinge onto! To retrieve the back plate I assume I need to remove the front cover. Can you advise please. Many thanks.

ricky, June 2009

find what holds the outer door gasket in position usually thin wire/spring band and remove it, peel off the gasket on the hinge side, WARNING put a towel on the metal lip edge, then carefully put hand gently, slowly, through the hole (gap has sharp edges hence the towel) and recover the back plate.
Hold the back plate in position while rehanging the door, refit the gasket onto the lip, refit the wire band.

wirecutterman, June 2009