Replace bands, hinge or dome

Before you start: tension, hardware, two people

The hinge springs are under tension, and the bands hold the hinge on. The 2020 and 2021 Joe Jr. manuals: do not take the hinge off without the proper hardware; to change the dome or base, call Kamado Joe, who will send hardware that holds the hinge safely closed. The 2024 manual says only to check the bands and hinge. Any change of dome, base, bands or hinge needs two people, gloves and safety glasses.

Parts: bands and hinge together KJ-MBH13 (no handle), bands kit 9904210083, hinge kit 9904210084, screw and nut set KJ-SN13. Kamado Joe publishes no step-by-step for the Joe Jr. The next two screens follow Kamado Joe Europe's order for the Classic II (hinge and bands off together; the lower band back first), with the Joe Jr.'s handle added.

Take the hinge and bands off

Kamado Joe Europe's order for the Classic II, with the Joe Jr.'s handle; no Joe Jr. method is published.

1. Fit Kamado Joe's holding hardware and have a helper hold the dome; gloves and glasses on.
2. Take the handle off its studs: two 8 mm nuts.
3. Undo the four screws clamping the upper band to the hinge.
4. Then the four on the lower band.
5. Lift the hinge and both bands off together, and separate them on the ground.

Refit and align the dome

Kamado Joe Europe's order for the Classic II; no Joe Jr. method is published.

1. Fit the lower band and the hinge back on the base, centred, hinge at the back.
2. Tighten its four screws.
3. Fit the upper band on the dome the same way.
4. Tighten its four screws, with the helper still holding the dome.
5. Refit the handle: two 8 mm nuts.
6. Take Kamado Joe's holding hardware off, then check the dome opens, closes square and seals. Re-tighten the bands after a few cooks.