Dishwasher Broken Spray Arm – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
The spray arm is the rotating plastic or metal arm inside your dishwasher that sprays pressurized water to clean dishes. If the spray arm is cracked, stripped at the hub, clogged, or bent it can wobble, stop rotating, spray unevenly, or drift, resulting in poor cleaning, spots, or missed areas. In some cases a broken spray arm can also make loud scraping or rattling noises when it hits dishes or the tub. Fixing the problem usually means replacing the damaged spray arm or its mounting hardware (hub, bearing, or retainer). Because spray arms are inexpensive and model-specific, replacing the whole arm is typically faster and more reliable than attempting a repair. After replacement, inspect and clean the water inlet and nozzles to restore full spray pattern and proper rotation.
Common Symptoms
Poor cleaning performance, uneven spray pattern, dishwasher leaving dry or dirty spots, loud scraping or clunking noises, spray arm not rotating.
Common Causes
- Physical damage from loading heavy/piled items or silverware striking the arm
- Plastic fatigue / cracks from age or heat exposure
- Worn or broken spray arm hub, bearing, or retainer that prevents rotation
- Mineral buildup or debris clogging the nozzles and preventing proper spray
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
With the dishwasher off, remove the rack and try spinning the arm by hand; if it wobbles, binds, has visible cracks, or the spray nozzles are melted/blocked, the spray arm or its support needs replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repair a cracked spray arm instead of replacing it?
Small, clean cracks can sometimes be temporarily sealed with waterproof epoxy, but repairs rarely restore correct balance or nozzle geometry and often fail. Replacement is inexpensive and recommended for reliable, long-term performance.
How much does it cost to replace a dishwasher spray arm?
Parts typically cost $10–$60 depending on brand and whether you need a hub/kit. If you hire a technician, labor adds roughly $60–$150 depending on service rates. Replacement is usually a quick DIY job: remove the rack, snap off the old arm and clip on the new one.
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Find the Right Part for Your Appliance
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Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to PartsDiscount.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.