Henry for Model Number Whirlpool Quietpartner III My chopper blades turn freely on the shaft when the spring is fully extended (when the blade is pressed against the stop washer at the end of the shaft). At that point on the shaft, it is rounded so the blade spins freely on the shaft. Only when the spring is depressed and the blade slides down the shaft does it engage on the flat edges of the shaft and lock onto the shaft for turning. Is this normal behavior or has the end of my chopper shaft been worn/rounded down due to some blockage? thanks
Answer Henry, When the assembly is in it's "relaxxed" / normal position, the chopper blade should be against the screen, and the tabs on the chopper blade shaft end will engage the tabs on the inside center of the impeller, this will "drive" the chopper blade to maserate the garbage. If there should be something in the chamber that cannot be "chopped" the chopper blade will move forward, and disengage the tabs on the impeller, to reduce damage to the impeller, and chopper assemblies. You'll need to remove the motor assembly WPW10757217 and check the tabs in the center of the impeller for damage. Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Wednesday, January 9, 2013