Front Panel Seems Heavier

The front panel (door) on our dishwasher seems to be heavier. Unless we are careful as we open it, it can easily fall to the floor and bang against our shins. We have small grandchildren and I’m worried about it falling on them so I keep it closed (latched) all the time to make sure this doesn’t happen. I wonder what could have happened to cause this problem, or is a misperception on our part? I examined the dishwashwer where I work, and the front panel on that unit seems to have better balance.

Is it possible that something has come loose in the sides of the unit that connects to the moveable arms (pic attached) on each side that connect to the panel?
dishwasher left front panel arm.jpg (22.7 KB)

Here are your parts
Parts for Whirlpool DU5004XM1 Dishwasher - AppliancePartsPros.com

Check the door springs (item 60 in the Door Parts section).

Thanks, Denman. I’m having trouble visualizing where these springs are located, but I believe I need to pull the unit forward, correct?

Correct. You have to pull it partially out from under the cabinet.

Hi Denman, indeed one of the springs has broken. I will replace both with new. Can I goto the local hardware store to get them, or are they unique to this dishwasher? They appear to be 3/4" diameter x 3-3/16" at rest.

I guess it depends on your hardware store.

Also they have to be the same tension.