8194001 & 8270020 Dishwasher Door Balance Link Kit & Door Spring for Kenmore Whirlpool KitchenAid Dishwashers

8194001 & 8270020 Dishwasher Door Balance Link Kit & Spring Assembly

Key Features

• Complete Balance Restoration: Includes both the heavy-duty nylon balance cords (links) and the industrial-grade tension springs needed to fully restore the smooth, balanced opening and closing of your dishwasher door.
• Reinforced Nylon Pulleys: The 8194001 link kit is constructed with high-tensile, fray-resistant nylon rope and reinforced plastic mounts to withstand the constant friction and weight of heavy, stainless steel doors.
• High-Tension Steel Springs: The 8270020 springs are manufactured from tempered steel, engineered to maintain consistent tension over thousands of cycles without stretching or losing their pull strength.
• Prevents Door Drops: Eliminates the danger of a heavy dishwasher door slamming down onto your legs or the floor, protecting both your appliance and your family.
• Dual-Side Replacement: It is highly recommended to replace these components on both the left and right sides simultaneously to ensure even tension and prevent the door from twisting.

Replaces / Cross-Reference Part Numbers

• Door Link Kit (8194001): AP3775412, PS972325, 8194001VP, 1059756, 8270018, 8270021, 8270022, 8524474, 8535568, W10158291
• Door Spring (8270020): WP8270020, AP6012319, PS11745526, EAP11745526, 830967

Compatibility & Fitment

This balance link and spring kit is a direct replacement for standard dishwashers from the following brands:

• Whirlpool
• KitchenAid
• Kenmore
• Maytag
• Amana
• Jenn-Air
• Estate
• Roper
• Crosley

When to Replace

• Door Drops Suddenly: If the door falls open rapidly with no resistance as soon as you unlatch it, the nylon ropes have likely snapped.
• Heavy Door Feel: The door feels excessively heavy to lift and close, indicating the tension springs have stretched out or broken.
• Visible Fraying: If you pull the dishwasher out and notice the white nylon cords are frayed, "hairy," or thinning, they are about to break.
• Door Opens Unevenly: If the door seems crooked or twisted when opening, one side's cord or spring has failed while the other is still intact.

Installation Tips

• Safety First: CRITICAL: Turn off the power to the dishwasher at the breaker and shut off the water supply before sliding the unit out from under the counter.
• Pulling the Unit Out: You will need to remove the lower kickplate and unscrew the top mounting brackets securing the dishwasher to the underside of the counter. Pull the unit out a few inches to access the springs and pulleys on the sides.
• Route the Rope Correctly: PRO TIP: Pay close attention to how the old rope is routed through the pulley wheel. The new rope must seat perfectly inside the groove of the plastic wheel to prevent immediate fraying and friction.
• Use Pliers for Springs: The 8270020 springs are under high tension. Use a sturdy pair of needle-nose pliers or vice grips to stretch and hook the spring into the metal frame safely.
• Check the Pulley Wheels: While installing the new cords, inspect the plastic pulley wheels on the dishwasher frame. If they are cracked or don't spin freely, replace them to protect your new balance links.