Replace or realign door latch spring?

[solo.shifter]

Got this work I postponed since a week's time now and I wanna get back to it but I thought I'd get insights, I was working on a front load washer and pretty sure the issue was coming from a weak or misaligned door latch spring. The door doesn't click shut like it used to, I'd have to wiggle to get it to engage, and sometimes the cycle won't start unless I really push it in.

So yunno next thing, I pulled the latch assembly and the spring looked intact, just a little loose, but before I order a replacement, I wanna ask, is it common for these springs to lose tension over time, or could it just need a bit of realignment or cleaning?
Appreciate any tips, I want to avoid replacing the whole latch unit if the spring is the only culprit.

 

[ToastAndBoast]

It's totally normal for those latch springs to lose some tension or get a bit out of alignment as time goes on. I'd suggest starting with a good clean in the latch area and trying to reseat the spring. You'd be surprised how often a little grime or a minor tweak can make a world of difference. But if it's still feeling loose after that, it might be worth it to just swap out the spring if you can find a replacement. That could save you a lot of hassle instead of having to replace the entire latch.

By the way, which washer model are you working on?

 

[bottomoftheocean]

Before replacing the whole latch, try cleaning the assembly and then check the strike on the door itself, sometimes it can shift or wear unevenly too

 

[Trevooor]

If you're babying a tired latch spring hoping it'll bounce back, you're just delaying the inevitable...springs fatigue, man. Realign all you want, but if it's soft now, it'll fail when you need it most

 

[cardiff.121]

Got this work I postponed since a week's time now and I wanna get back to it but I thought I'd get insights, I was working on a front load washer and pretty sure the issue was coming from a weak or misaligned door latch spring. The door doesn't click shut like it used to, I'd have to wiggle to get it to engage, and sometimes the cycle won't start unless I really push it in.

So yunno next thing, I pulled the latch assembly and the spring looked intact, just a little loose, but before I order a replacement, I wanna ask, is it common for these springs to lose tension over time, or could it just need a bit of realignment or cleaning?
Appreciate any tips, I want to avoid replacing the whole latch unit if the spring is the only culprit.

It's very common for these springs to lose tension over time.
The constant use and stress can fatigue the metal, even if it looks perfectly fine.
I'd also start with giving it a thorough clean.
Also take a close look at the door itself and see if a slight misalignment from the hinges sagging could be the culprit.
But if cleaning and checking for alignment don't solve it, you're likely dealing with a tired spring.
If that's the case, replacing the whole latch unit is best!
It's a critical safety component, and it's a small price to pay to avoid a bigger issue.

 

[Halibali_]

If cleaning and realigning doesn't do the trick, just replace the spring. It's just cheap, compared to paying $80 or more on a whole new latch.

 

[circuitsurgeon]

Good call checking the spring first, those things tend to lose their springiness over time. If cleaning it up and bending it a bit doesn't stop the clicking, swapping in a new spring is a cheap way to fix it.

 

[solo.shifter]

Thanks for the reply @ToastAndBoast that makes sense about the grime build up.
Just wanted to update, I actually cleaned out the latch area and there was actually a surprising amount of lint built up in there but I still ended up getting the replacement. Just wanted a clean slate so I have no reason to face any potential problems down the line. It's a whirlpool WTW5000DW by the way, pretty standard top loader, about 4 years old
Thanks to you all for your very helpful responses

 

[Alan]

Nice update, @solo.shifter! Sounds like you handled it perfectly. Cleaning out all that lint was smart, and swapping the spring ensures you won’t have to worry about it failing unexpectedly. Four years in, a Whirlpool WTW5000DW is right in that age where springs can fatigue, so you did well to give it a fresh start. Your approach is exactly what I’d recommend to anyone trying to avoid a full latch replacement.