KUDS230Y2 Dishwasher Door Spring Issue

[rbenash]

Hello - I've had this Kitchen Aide DW for 12 years. Over that time I've replaced the springs twice without and issue, easy, and simple.

Last year springs went again and I ordered the typical factory part. This time though the spring tension on the Whirlpool Factory Part justo long

isn't right. It does keep the door from crashing open but they don't allow the door to open slowly enough without slamming to full open without

guiding with your hand, etc. It also has damaged the door stop bearings which have pretty much disintegrated.

 

I have door springs, in fact 3 sets PN4162629 in hopes that I had a set that was defective in that it didn't have correct tension etc.

They have red paint marking on them which I figure is about the tension or "pull weight" rating.

 

I've gone through the full ritual to move the bottom spring bracets to the lowest possible holes on the side rails - NG! I even tried drilling and moving the

lower spring brackets to other positions to the bottom rail - which worked but the springs drag agains frame members and make a good bit of noise.

I think that Whirlpool did a substitution here and are using springs from lighter doors. These springs plain an simple do not have the correct tension for

the weight of the door.

My door has a wood panel insert to match the kitchen cabinets. Same as initial installation. There may be some issue now where the replacement springs

only allow for original sheet metal insert and no longer compensate for the added weight of the wood insert. I have no recollection if there were other

springs in the install kit to compensate, In that case there may be another number other than stock that I should be using?

 

Wondering if someone can help.

 

Also - I would like to know if the door stop bearings PN4160355 get installed from the front or rear of the door?? Can't tell as there's no trace left

of the originals.

 

Thanks for any info!

[rbenash]

Looks like I answered my own problem regarding the springs. Seems there is a heavy duty spring kit (white stripe on the spring) for use with insert door panels.

Whirlpool OEM Part #9741248, going to order a couple pairs :-)

Still need some advice on the door stop bearings get installed.