Door Issues w/ 4-Rack Model

carleethian · December 28, 2018, 06:08:52 AM

Hey y'all,

I have a couple of issues with my smoker. First, the bottom right hinge has busted so it's basically just holding on with the top right hinge. Has anyone had success in replacing this part or do I just need to buy a new door?

Secondly, and maybe this is related to the first, I have smoke constantly escaping from the top left of the door. I think this is leading to less heat retention and inability to reach temp.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Toker · December 28, 2018, 06:55:02 AM

1-866-508-7514

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zueth · December 28, 2018, 09:00:58 AM

Call Bradley they will ship out a replacement part for free.

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carleethian · December 30, 2018, 09:46:28 AM

Thanks y'all! Called Bradley and left a message. Will let y'all know what happens.

TedEbear · December 31, 2018, 09:11:31 AM

How long have you had the smoker? I doubt Bradley will send you a free door if you've had it for several years.

The hinges on my OBS broke a few years ago. I read some threads about getting some regular hinges from a hardware store and fastening them to the Bradley. I did that and it works fine.

carleethian · January 01, 2019, 08:55:58 AM

Yeah, I spoke to Bradley Today and they said that they'd sell me the replacement part for like $8 which doesn't seem too bad but would be a bummer if it kept breaking.

Can you tell me a little bit more about how your new hinge has held up? The post below is what you're referring to right? Have you tried putting a clamp latch on the left side of the door to keep it shut tight?

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=35567

Toker · January 01, 2019, 08:59:33 AM

For 8$ you'll get the trim only, not the whole door but should put you back on track. P.s. I have all the Bradley smokers and my older is from 2002.

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TedEbear · January 01, 2019, 09:20:45 AM

Quote from: carleethian on January 01, 2019, 08:55:58 AM
Can you tell me a little bit more about how your new hinge has held up? The post below is what you're referring to right? Have you tried putting a clamp latch on the left side of the door to keep it shut tight?

I bought the hinges from Home Depot and attached them with some sheet metal screws. Probably not the most aesthetic look but it works fine. I suppose someone could spray paint them black if they wanted them to match the smoker. I also did the front foot mod to take the weight off the plastic temp control housing that was broken. I replaced the door seal, too, so no need for a latch.

Habanero Smoker · January 01, 2019, 01:07:45 PM

Quote from: carleethian on January 01, 2019, 08:55:58 AM
Yeah, I spoke to Bradley Today and they said that they'd sell me the replacement part for like $8 which doesn't seem too bad but would be a bummer if it kept breaking.

Can you tell me a little bit more about how your new hinge has held up? The post below is what you're referring to right? Have you tried putting a clamp latch on the left side of the door to keep it shut tight?

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=35567

You really don't need to keep the door closed that tight, and it may put too much pressure on the hinges which may cause the trim to break again around the hinges. I guess you can get an adjustable clamp latch so not too much pressure will not be place on the trim.

carleethian · January 01, 2019, 04:12:46 PM

Quote from: TedEbear on January 01, 2019, 09:20:45 AM
Quote from: carleethian on January 01, 2019, 08:55:58 AM
Can you tell me a little bit more about how your new hinge has held up? The post below is what you're referring to right? Have you tried putting a clamp latch on the left side of the door to keep it shut tight?

I bought the hinges from Home Depot and attached them with some sheet metal screws. Probably not the most aesthetic look but it works fine. I suppose someone could spray paint them black if they wanted them to match the smoker. I also did the front foot mod to take the weight off the plastic temp control housing that was broken. I replaced the door seal, too, so no need for a latch.

What's the front foot mod? I have a 4-rack digital so does that apply to my smoker?

watchdog56 · January 02, 2019, 05:12:59 AM

I did this mod back in 2014 and it is still holding up very well.

TedEbear · January 02, 2019, 10:24:55 AM

Quote from: carleethian on January 01, 2019, 04:12:46 PM

What's the front foot mod? I have a 4-rack digital so does that apply to my smoker?

Front Feet Modification
Compliments of Love To Smoke & Habanero Smoker

A cracked faceplate appears to be a common defect in the Original Bradley Smoker. If you notice a cracked faceplate, and you are still under warranty notify Bradley to obtain a new one. If this problem is not taken care of, moisture can seep through the crack and cause damage your temperature circuit board. In the mean time, you can seal the crack with a silicon sealer, or duct tape. I believe the one that DAP makes is safe for incidental food contact.

One member believes that this is a design error, and the crack happens due to the stress cause by the weight of meat loaded in the cabinet. He suggested taking the stress off the front of the smoker. The best way is to raise the front of the smoker by about 1/4". Raise the cabinet at a point where the weight will be resting on the bottom of the smoker; behind the feet. Also raising it will help prevent moisture from leaking out of the bottom of the door, and possibly seeping into the area that houses the temperature circuit board.

Using the Bradley replacement rear feet and mounting them in the front, just behind the feet of the face plate is another simple way to accomplish this. This ensures that the weight is off the face plate, you will either have to remove the rubber footing around the front feet that are attached the the face plate, or add a few washers when you install the additional feet. Adding the washers will provide the extra protection, by slightly raising the front.

Also it is suggested that drilling the top center hole of the faceplate one size larger may help. To do this you must remove the faceplate prior to drilling. You do not want to drill through the threaded area, you will still be using the same screw when you reassembly the faceplate.

Materials Need:
(2) Bradley Replacement Rear Feet
(6) 3/16 x 1 Fender Washers (optional)
(2) 10 x 1 Sheet Metal Screws Pan Head*
*If you do not use the washers, then use 10 x 3/4 screws. The head of the screw makes it a snug fit, so use the screw driver to seat and screw it the foot.

Tools:
#2 Phillips Screwdriver
Drill
3/32 inch Drill Bit; or 1/8 inch bit

Using the photo as a guide, drill a pilot hole for each foot There are no wires in those locations. The wires to the front faceplate run directly from center front to center rear. Assemble your feet and attach them to the bottom of the cabinet; and tighten until snug. Do Not Over Tighten; or you will strip the thread in the sheet metal.

Parts needed to add additional feet.

This photo shows where the location of the front feet.

This photo shows the added foot from the side (without washers).

This photo shows the added foot with washers installed.

This photo shows how the washer not only keep the original Bradley feet off the surface, but also rises the front.

TMB · January 02, 2019, 12:09:36 PM

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Bradley just wish they would address the main issues with these units. Seems their still having the same issues year after year :(

Gafala · January 02, 2019, 05:33:53 PM

I think I'm a lucky one I have never had any issues with my 4 rack yes I did do the 900w mod and added a PID but that is it. I got mine in 2012. Love it all I do every winter is cover it with the Bradley cover and no problems we get snow and rain it sets on a table I made out in the open.