How to change out a faulty roller assembly 882688 on a Whirlpool / KitchenAid / Maytag trash compactor
Steven E / Tuesday June 18, 2024
Is your trash compactor drawer sticking or refusing to glide smoothly? The culprit might be a worn-out roller assembly, but don’t worry—You can easily fix this at home! Dive into our step-by-step guide and watch the included video below to get your compactor back to its seamless self in no time.
Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!
The roller assembly on a trash compactor supports the movement of the compactor drawer so it can smoothly slide in and out. Over time, the rollers may wear out or become damaged, which can cause the drawer to stick or become difficult to use.
If you’ve got a bad roller assembly, we’re here to help you replace it so you can get your Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag trash compactor working correctly again. Whether you’re new to the process or just need a recap of how it’s done, this replacement shouldn’t take very long.
You can find a replacement roller assembly here. If you need other replacement parts for your trash compactor, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.
What you’ll need
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- 5/16-inch wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Wood block
- 9/16-inch socket wrench
- Pliers
- New roller assembly (make sure it’s compatible with your specific trash compactor model before installing!)
Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.
Read more: 5 Common Mistakes That Shorten The Lifespan Of Appliances
Check part compatibility
Before you replace the roller assembly, make sure you have an OEM part that’s compatible with your specific trash compactor model. To do this, you’ll need to find the appliance model number.
The model number will say MOD or Model before the numbers and is typically found on a sticker or a metal plate in one of the following locations:
- Inside the cabinet on the left or right side
- Behind the drawer or front panel
- On the frame with the drawer open
Once you’ve found the model number, write it down or take a clear photo of it for reference.
Next, visit AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to check if the new roller assembly is compatible with your model.
Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number
Safety precautions
When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
- If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
- Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
- Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
- Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
- Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
- Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
- Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
- When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
- Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
Read more: Trash compactor ram stuck? Top 5 reasons & fixes
How to replace the roller assembly
Follow these steps to swap out the roller assembly on a Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag trash compactor.
- Unplug the trash compactor from the power outlet.
- Press down on the pedal and pull the drawer out of the trash compactor.
- Lift the front of the drawer by the handle until it goes over the drawer stops.
- Lift the drawer by the sides and remove it from the compactor.
- Uninstall the trash compactor from the kitchen cabinet. It may be mounted to the countertop through the top brackets or through the sides at the front of the compactor.
- Pull out the filter cover and remove the charcoal filter.
- Remove the four screws on the top panel and slide the top cover off.
- Take out the two screws on the top, the two screws inside the trash compactor frame and the two screws on the outside at the bottom to remove the front panel.
- Pull the machine’s front panel slightly out from the body. Since it’s still connected to the electrical wires, it can’t be completely removed yet.
- Use a 5/16-inch wrench and a flathead screwdriver to free the side frames (one on each side) and lift them out of the way.
- Lift the compactor off the floor on one side, slide a piece of wood under it, and unscrew the legs.
- Use a socket wrench to unscrew and take out the nuts that are holding the rollers.
- Take the old rollers out.
- Place the new roller with the bottom cap fitting into the cutout.
- Insert the shaft into the side opening.
- Manually start the nut, then secure it with the wrench. Repeat this on the opposite side.
- Remove the wooden block.
- Secure the slide frames with a screw and a nut.
- Reinstall the machine’s front panel and secure it with the six screws.
- Install the top cover panel and secure it with the screws.
- Reinstall the compactor into the cabinet and secure it with the mounting brackets.
- Reinstall the charcoal filter and put the charcoal filter frame on.
- Grab the drawer by the sides and slide it in.
- Close the drawer.
- Plug the trash compactor back in or turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.
- Test the compactor to check for any problems.
Read more: How A Kitchen Trash Compactor Works
More information
Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the roller assembly on your Whirlpool, KitchenAid or Maytag trash compactor.
If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.
While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
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With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.