How to Install a New GE Dishwasher Leveling Leg WD2X320


Steven E / Monday June 16, 2025


Does your GE dishwasher rattle like it’s preparing for liftoff? It might be time to replace a broken leveling leg to keep it sturdy and quiet. Follow along with our step-by-step guide and watch our how-to video below to learn how to easily swap out that wobbly leg and restore your dishwasher’s balance in no time!

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If your GE dishwasher is rocking, rattling, or sitting unevenly, one of the leveling legs might be the issue. The WD2X320 leveling leg helps keep your dishwasher stable and properly aligned—so when it’s broken or worn down, things can get wobbly fast. Fortunately, replacing it is a quick and easy job you can do without pulling out half your kitchen. In this guide, we’ll show you how to swap out the old leg and get your dishwasher standing tall again. Let’s get to it!

Watch here: How to install a dishwasher leveling leg

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Why Does A Dishwasher Need To Be Leveled?

The leveling legs on a dishwasher help stabilize the unit and prevent excessive vibration during operation. If one or more leveling legs are damaged, missing, or worn down, replacing them is essential to maintain proper function and reduce noise during wash cycles. It’s important for:

  • Make sure you have even water distribution for better cleaning.
  • Reduces vibrations and operating noises.
  • Prevents stress on components.

Tools And Materials Needed

Before diving into the installation process, let’s gather what we need:

Safety First

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing 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 and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
  • Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly 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.
  • Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
  • Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.
  • If your appliance has any parts that hold water, turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.

Disassembly And Removal Steps

  1. Ensure the dishwasher is unplugged or the circuit breaker is turned off.
  2. Turn off the hot water supply valve located under the sink.
  3. Place a towel and container underneath the connections.
  4. Use a 5/8-inch wrench to loosen and disconnect the fill line from the water valve.
  5. Follow the drain hose to where it connects (air gap or garbage disposal).
  6. Using a 5/16-inch nut driver, loosen the clamp and detach the drain hose.
  7. Set both hoses aside carefully.
  8. Open the dishwasher door.
  9. Pull out the lower rack and set it aside.
  10. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the dishwasher to the underside of the countertop.
  11. Close the door and use it to gently pull the dishwasher out from the cabinets.
  12. Once out, lay a towel on the floor for protection.
  13. Carefully lay the dishwasher on its side.
  14. Locate the damaged leveling leg. There are four in total: two in the front and two in the rear.
  15. If the leg is tight, use adjustable pliers to loosen it.
  16. Unscrew the old leveling leg and remove it.

Installation And Reassembly Steps

  1. Align the new leveling leg and screw it into place.
  2. Adjust to match the desired height.
  3. Lift the dishwasher back onto its feet.
  4. Remove the towel from the floor.
  5. Feed the water line, drain hose, and power cord back through the cabinet opening.
  6. Push the dishwasher in about halfway.
  7. Go under the sink and pull the lines to ensure they aren’t tangled or pinched.
  8. Push the dishwasher fully into place.
  9. Reattach the drain hose to the air gap or garbage disposal.
  10. Tighten the clamp using the 5/16-inch nut driver.
  11. Thread the fill line onto the water valve by hand.
  12. Tighten it fully with the 5/8-inch wrench.
  13. Open the dishwasher door and reinstall the two screws into the underside of the countertop using the Phillips screwdriver.
  14. Slide the lower dish rack back into position on the bottom track.
  15. Close the dishwasher door.
  16. Plug the unit back in or restore power at the circuit breaker.
  17. Turn the water supply back on.
  18. Run a test cycle to verify proper operation and confirm that the unit is level and secure.

More Information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the leveling leg in your GE dishwasher. 

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.

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man and woman shopping for a dishwasher