Quick answer
Whirlpool dishwasher door spring WP8270182 replaces a snapped or stretched balance spring that lets the door drop open or sag to one side. The spring fits many Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Kenmore dishwashers, so confirm fit by model number. Installation means cutting power, sliding the unit forward 4 to 6 inches, and hooking the new spring into the tension slot, about 30 to 45 minutes. Each spring costs $8 to $20.
A Whirlpool dishwasher door that suddenly drops open may have a broken spring, cable, or guide in its balance system. Door spring WP8270182 supports the door through the cable arrangement on compatible models, so the related parts should be inspected before it is replaced. The steps below cover confirming the fault, installing the spring, and checking door movement afterward.
Quick Facts
| Detail | At a Glance |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Time | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Tools | Phillips and Torx T20 screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, flashlight, work gloves, towel |
| Part Cost | $8 to $20 per spring |
| Skill | Intermediate |
Does a Broken Door Spring Make the Dishwasher Door Drop Open?
Whirlpool dishwasher door spring WP8270182 supports the door through the cable system on compatible models; a broken cable or damaged guide can cause similar door behavior.
The following details help narrow the decision.
| Condition or Detail | Meaning or Next Consideration |
| door slams open | a snapped spring |
| door sags on one side | one failed spring |
| door will not stay open | a stretched spring |
| loud snap | a broken cable or link |
Is WP8270182 the Right Door Spring for My Whirlpool Dishwasher?
Confirm the part against the full model number before ordering; a family name or visual match alone does not prove compatibility.
Keep these points in mind.
- Check the model tag on the door edge
- Compare spring length and hook ends
- Note the spring and the door cable are separate parts
- Replace springs in pairs
What would make this part a poor choice? A sound test result means you need to consider the other causes before ordering it.
Which Whirlpool Dishwasher Models Use Door Spring WP8270182?
Confirm the part against the full model number before ordering; a family name or visual match alone does not prove compatibility.
Keep these points in mind.
- Whirlpool WDT and WDF tall tub
- KitchenAid KDTE and KDFE
- Kenmore 665 series
- Verify with the parts diagram
Do I Need to Pull the Dishwasher Out to Replace the Door Spring?
Choose the repair that matches the confirmed fault; a cheaper part will not help if it belongs to a different part of the system.
Keep these points in mind.
- Usually slide the unit 4 to 6 inches to reach the spring hook slots
- Cut power and water first
- Protect the floor and drain hose
- Some models allow access through the kick plate
How to Install Whirlpool Dishwasher Door Spring WP8270182 Step by Step
Follow these steps to complete the covered procedure for Whirlpool dishwasher door spring WP8270182.
Phase 1: Cut Power, Remove the Kick Plate, and Free the Mounting Brackets
- Disconnect power and shut off the water.
- Place towels under the hoses.
- Disconnect the water line with a 5/8 inch wrench.
- Loosen the drain clamp with a 5/16 inch nut driver.
- Free the drain hose.
- Remove the Phillips mounting screws.
Phase 2: Slide the Dishwasher Forward and Locate the Spring and Cable
- Pull the unit out while watching its hoses.
- Find the spring at the rear of the door cable pulley.
Phase 3: Unhook the Broken Spring and Attach the New Spring
- Wear gloves.
- Unhook the spring from the plastic guide.
- Unhook its other end from the door bracket.
- Hook the new spring into the door bracket.
- Stretch it to the pulley with needle-nose pliers.
- Hook the other end into the guide.
Phase 4: Set the Tension Slot, Slide the Unit Back, and Test the Door
- Feed the water and drain hoses back without kinks.
- Push the dishwasher in without pinching the hoses.
- Reconnect the water line with the 5/8 inch wrench.
- Reconnect the drain and its 5/16 inch clamp.
- Refit the mounting screws.
- Turn water and power on.
- Check door balance and binding.
- Run an empty cycle and check for leaks.
Which Tension Slot Gives the Right Door Balance?
Confirm the part against the full model number before ordering; a family name or visual match alone does not prove compatibility.
The following details help narrow the decision.
| Condition or Detail | Meaning or Next Consideration |
| slot position | This describes the covered layout; confirm it on the full model. |
| door behavior at 45 degrees | This describes the covered layout; confirm it on the full model. |
| when to move the hook one slot tighter or looser | This describes the covered layout; confirm it on the full model. |
Should You Replace One Spring, Both Springs, or the Cable Too?
Choose the repair that matches the confirmed fault; a cheaper part will not help if it belongs to a different part of the system.
Keep these points in mind.
- One spring $8 to $20
- Both springs recommended for even balance
- Add the cable or link kit at $10 to $25 if frayed
- See a technician only if the door hinge itself is bent
FAQ
How Long Does It Take to Replace the Door Spring?
The time depends on installation access and hose slack. Uninstalling and reconnecting the unit take longer than swapping the spring itself.
Why Does the Door Still Drop After a New Spring?
The cable, guide, other spring, or tension setting may still be wrong. Both sides must support the door evenly.
Can a Heavy Custom Door Panel Need a Different Spring?
Yes, door weight affects the required balance parts. Use the spring approved for that model and panel arrangement.
A Door That Stays Where You Leave It
You have a clearer path when the symptoms, model, and test results agree; focus on the failed part and keep the nearby wiring, mounts, and seals in view. A sound diagnosis helps the repair solve the original problem.
Check the full model number, then choose the compatible door spring WP8270182 so the door stays balanced instead of dropping open.
