[SOLVED] Removing 1990 Kenmore over the range microwave

[jsework]

The previous owner of my house installed a 1990 Kenmore over the range microwave (model 721.8965580). Based on the model code I know that Goldstar manufactured it.

I don't have the installation instructions but based upon web searches and my own investigation I know it is definitely attached to a wall mounted bracket. I am trying to remove the oven and bracket in order to install a new microwave. There are only two bolts providing support through the upper cabinets. I have removed those and folded the lower tabs down on the wall bracket. Even after doing all this I can't get the oven to break loose from the wall bracket.

In the meantime I replaced the bolts.

The oven was installed as non-vented, ductless.

Has anyone removed a similar microwave? Are there upper bracket tabs or something else still holding onto the oven? Does anyone have other ideas?

Thanks for any help,

[Tom]

I've sold these things at Sears and have removed/installed several. You have the right idea as to how it's installed but I don't understand why you would have bent the tabs down. All you should have had to do was remove the two bolts from above and then pry down on the front upper edge between the cabinet and the microwave. Actually you should have had to hold the microwave to keep it from falling down. The microwave would then have tilted forward so you could lift it off the tabs on the wall mounting bracket. I checked the installation diagram at Sears.com found in "parts" and it shows only the two bolts from above holding the m/w and all other bolts only through the bracket. Is it possible the prior owner thought this insufficient and re-engineered the mounting method? Perhaps they added some construction glue between the m/w and the upper cabinet or between the wall and the back of the m/w.

Tom G.

[SQLit]

Like the other guy said. Remove the bolts from the top and use a thin sharp pry instrument and some extra hands. circa 1990 sounds like dried grit from cooking. A razor knife between the cabinet and the microwave should be enough.

[Frank K.]

First of all this is a TWO PERSON job. The microwave is heavy.

Mine has a release rod located behind the exhaust grill which is across the top of the unit. Remove the screws holding the grill and remove the grill. You will see a handle or hook that operated a latch at the wall mount plate. Remove the bolts that secure the microwave to the upper cabinet. Support the weight of the microwave and have someone pull the handle or hook. The front of the microwave can then be lowered. You can then lift it off the hooks on the mounting bracket.

Hope this helps. BE CAREFUL

Frank

[SJF]

The two I had experience with (a Litton and a GE) both were mounted in their own metal cabinets which included the smoke hood blower. The cabinet was first mounted on the wall and then the main unit was inserted into the cabinet through its open front. Removal was the reverse. Pull the unit from the cabinet after releasing some cleverly concealed latches or screws and then dismount the cabinet. There may be fasteners into the wall behind the cabinet in addition to the hanger bolts into the cabinets above. I don't remember.

The installation instructions for a new unit will probably give some useful clues as they all seem to be generally similar in concept.

I did this solo but it's nice to have help when you're removing or installing the main unit. That's where most of the weight is.

SJF

[jsework]

Thanks for everyone's input on my problem. I managed to remove the microwave. After removing its grill I saw long screws leading to the wall. Once I loosened those the oven came loose from the wall bracket. Hopefully my post will someday help someone else with the same microwave.

[nbeanz]

[::Yes, Bless you! After struggling for two hours - I sat and read post after post of suggestions online. Yours helped us too! The long screws didn't actually resemble your typical screws we are used to. They were almost 10 inches long and I had to bend a part down from them first before I unscrewed.

Cannot believe it is finally out! We were starting to think the contractor who built the house glued it in.

Thanks so Much!

[micky]

He might have. Sometimes they glue the tiles to the wall or the floor.

[JG]

Hello! We are trying to remove a similar microwave, with the two long "screws/rods". We cannot turn the rods no matter what we've tried - screwdriver, pliers, WD-40 - they simply won't budge! I'm able to jiggle them, but cannot turn them. Any ideas? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!! Thanks!

[Brenda]

replying to Frank K., Brenda wrote: THANK YOU! We must have had the same model. After pulling that handle pretty hard forward, the microwave released easily.

[Dana W]

replying to Frank K., Dana W wrote: Thanks Frank. 13 years later, your advice was priceless.