KitchenAid Model KDC-58 auto dishwasher door spring

[joegotts]

Howdy folks,

We have had a KitchenAid Model KDC-58 (convertible-portable model) since 1976. It still works great....except that one of the two door springs broke and the door is now super heavy to open and close without dropping it hard. The broken spring measures about 13 inches (length of body coils), and measures about 14.5 inches (hook to hook). The spring outside diameter is approx. 5/8 inches. For some unknown reason back then, our family was given a Replacement Parts Catalog for Model KDC-18, which only shows a spring of about 5 inches in length. Any guidance is most appreciated. Thank you kindly.

 

[stevet]

Now way they are that long!!

The parts manual shows the correct spring which is about the length you mentioned. They never used a spring 13 inches long. Maybe someone changed them and used whatever they could find. The springs go straight from the end of the hinge to the small bracket on the front side frames. Can you take a picture of where the remaining spring is mounted?

I have many springs for the doors with the vari front panel kits so let me know what you want to do.