Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Roller Spring or Rack Roller Broken – How to Diagnose & Fix
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Understanding the Problem
Brief explanation: A broken roller spring or damaged rack roller on a Kenmore Elite dishwasher causes the lower (or upper) rack to wobble, come off the track, scrape the tub, or not slide smoothly. The roller assembly usually includes a wheel, axle, and a small spring/clip or retaining pin that holds the wheel and axle in place. When that spring or clip breaks or the wheel itself cracks, the rack can drop or bind. Step-by-step diagnostics and repair: 1) Identify the exact part and location: pull the affected rack (upper or lower) all the way out and inspect the roller assemblies on each corner and along the sides. Look for a missing wheel, a loose axle, cracked plastic wheel, or a missing/broken spring/retaining clip. 2) Note your model number: locate the dishwasher model plate (inside the door rim or on the tub). Record the model number before ordering parts—roller assemblies vary by model. 3) Confirm the fault: try rolling the rack slowly in and out while watching the roller. If the wheel lifts up, wobbles, rattles, or comes completely off when pushed/pulled, the roller or its spring/clip is bad. 4) Tools and parts: you will typically need a flathead screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, and a replacement roller/roller kit (wheel + axle + clip). Common OEM part references used on Kenmore/Whirlpool family machines include WP8268886 and similar lower/upper roller kits—verify with your model. 5) Remove the rack: open the door fully, slide the rack out to the stop, lift the end of the rack stop tabs (or release the spring clips) to remove the rack from the rails and set it on a towel for work. 6) Remove the old wheel assembly: depending on the design, either pry off the plastic retaining clip, slide out the axle, or depress the tab to release the roller. Keep track of small springs/clips so you can compare to the new part. 7) Install the replacement: assemble the new wheel onto the axle, insert the axle into the rack bracket, and secure it with the new retaining clip or spring until it snaps into place. Make sure the wheel spins freely and is seated fully in the bracket. 8) Reinstall the rack: place the rack back on the rails, ensure the rollers engage the track, and slide the rack in and out to test for smooth operation and correct height. Reinstall any rack stop tabs you removed. 9) Final test: run an empty quick wash cycle and watch the rack while opening/closing to make sure nothing rubs or dislodges. Confirm wheels remain attached under load. How to fix (practical actions): - Order the correct roller kit for your model (match model number). If the kit includes an axle and spring/clip, replace the entire assembly rather than trying to glue or jury-rig the old pieces. - Replace any cracked wheels on the same rack—often if one wheel fails, the others are near the end of life. - If the rack track is bent, straighten it first; damaged track will quickly wear new rollers. Safety note: Unplug the dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker before doing any work inside the tub if you will be reaching past electrical components. For basic rack and roller replacement you usually don't need to disconnect water, but avoid running the dishwasher while you are working on the rack assemblies.
Common Symptoms
Rack falls off its track, wheels wobble or fall off, rack scrapes the tub, rough/pulsing feeling when sliding the rack, noisy when pulling the rack.
Common Causes
- Plastic wheel worn or cracked from age or heavy loads
- Retaining spring/clip or axle broken or missing, allowing wheel to fall off
- Bent/damaged rack track or misaligned rack causing abnormal wear on rollers
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Helpful Repair Tip
To confirm the faulty part, remove the rack and try spinning each wheel by hand — a bad roller will wobble, catch, have visible cracks, or the axle will slide out because its retaining clip/spring is broken or missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep using the dishwasher if a roller or its spring is broken?
You can run it very briefly, but it’s not recommended. A broken roller or missing retaining clip lets the rack sag or shift and can scrape or chip the tub and damage dishes. Replace the roller assembly as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
How much does it cost to replace a rack roller?
Replacement roller kits are inexpensive—typically $8–$30 for the part. If you hire a technician, expect labor to add $60–$150 depending on local rates. Replacing the roller yourself is usually quick (15–30 minutes) and simple with basic tools.
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