How to replace Frigidaire dishwasher upper dish rack 5304498205


Steven E / Thursday February 8, 2024


Is your Frigidaire dishwasher’s top rack wobbling like it’s on its last spin cycle? Say goodbye to that rickety rack by learning how to replace it quickly and easily. Watch our step-by-step how-to video below and have your dishwasher back in top shape in no time!

Got a rickety top rack in your Frigidaire dishwasher? Time to dish out some TLC! Replacing the upper dish rack is an easy upgrade that you can finish in about an hour.

Over time, the rack can get worn out, rusty or damaged to the point that it might not hold dishes well anymore. In any of these cases, it needs to be replaced, and we’re here to help!

You can find a replacement upper dish rack 5304498205 here. If you need other replacement parts for your Frigidaire dishwasher, 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.

Let’s dive in!

Watch the full repair here!

What you need

Keep safety first

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair:

  • Always power off and unplug your dishwasher or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
  • 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.
  • If the dishwasher 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 clearly see and access dishwasher parts.
  • Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
  • Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the dishwasher or cause personal injury.
  • 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.

Read more: Dishwasher Not Drying Dishes Properly: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

Replacement instructions

Step 1: Remove the dishwasher door end caps

  1. Remove the left and right end caps from the ends of the rails on either side of the dishwasher door. You’ll notice a small catch or clip on the underside of each cap. Carefully pry up on this clip using your fingers or a small flathead screwdriver, then release them from the rail. Be gentle when removing the end caps, as the clips can break if they’re forced.
  2. Set the end caps aside.

Step 2: Pull out the old upper dish rack

  1. Place a towel down on your work surface.
  2. Grip the sides of the upper dish rack and pull it out. Be careful not to let it drop.
  3. Set the dish rack on top of the towel.

Read more: Best Loading Techniques For Your Dishwasher

Step 3: Remove components from the old dish rack

Before installing the new upper dish rack, you’ll need to remove several components from the old rack:

  1. Remove the spray arm by pushing the spray arm to the back of the rack and then setting it to the side once the clips release.
  2. On the sides of the rack, find the two roller assemblies that allow the rack to slide in and out on the rails. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry up and release the plastic clips holding each roller in place, then detach the roller. Repeat this on both sides.
  3. If you have plastic wine glass holders, use your fingers or a small tool to lift up the tabs on their retaining clips, then detach the holders. Do this on both sides.
  4. Lift up slightly on the rack to access the tine holder clips on the bottom. Pop these off using a screwdriver, then remove the tine rows. Repeat for both rows.
  5. Tilt up the rack to reveal the flat plastic handle on the top. Insert a screwdriver into the handle’s side clips to detach it from the rack.

Step 4: Snap components onto the new upper dish rack

With all the parts removed from your old upper dish rack, you can attach them to your new rack:

  1. Snap the plastic handle onto the top of the new rack by lining it up properly and pressing it down firmly. Make sure the handle clips are fully in place.
  2. Align the clip mounts on the undersides of the wine glass holders with the tine rows on the sides of the new rack. Push the holders down to snap them into place.
  3. Take note of the orientation of the tine rows, with the 4-tine row on one side and the 3-tine row on the other. Set them into position, replace the tine holder clips underneath, and press down until they’re locked in place. Make sure the rows move smoothly.
  4. Attach the left roller assembly on the left side, and right on the right. Position them properly and use hard pressure to snap all retaining clips back into the rack.
  5. Test that the rollers spin freely.
  6. Align the spray arm with the front tines and slide the clips onto the rows until the arm locks in place.

Read more: Reduce Water Usage In Your Dishwasher

Step 5: Slide the new rack back into the dishwasher

  1. Make sure the rollers on the rack are aligned with the rails on either side of the dishwasher.
  2. Carefully push the rack fully back into position. Do not force it. You’ll know the rack is seated correctly when it fits flush within the dishwasher.
  3. Slide the rack in and out on the rails to make sure it moves smoothly.

Step 6: Replace the end caps

  1. Orient the end cap for each side, then gently push and snap each one back into place on the rails. You should hear them click as the clips engage.
  2. Tug lightly on the end caps to make sure they’re locked into position and won’t slide off.
  3. Close the dishwasher door.

Read more: How to Clean a Dishwasher

More information

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common dishwasher problems here.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!