How to Replace Track W11259785 on a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Is your Whirlpool dishwasher’s upper rack wobbling, skewed, or even slipping off the tracks? It’s probably a sign that the track assembly needs replacing—a simple task that can restore smooth operation with minimal effort. Watch our quick how-to video just below and get your dishwasher rack back on track in no time!

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If your Whirlpool dishwasher’s upper rack is jerky, crooked, or falling off the rails, it’s probably time to replace the track assembly, part number W11259785. This part keeps the rack gliding smoothly in and out. The fix? Super straightforward. With just a screwdriver and a few minutes, you’ll have your rack rolling like new. Let’s walk through how to swap it out the right way.

Watch Here: How to replace the track assembly

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.

What you’ll need

• 5/16-inch nut driver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Replacement slide track assembly Whirlpool part # W11259785 (Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit)
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves

Safety First

Safety comes first when working on any appliance. Here are some practical tips to help keep you safe:

• Always turn off the power by unplugging the appliance or switching off the circuit breaker before starting. This protects you from the risk of electric shock.
• Wear insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, pinching hazards, or debris.
• Take your time and work at a steady pace to avoid accidents or injuries.
• Make sure your workspace is well-lit so you can clearly see and access the parts you’re working on.
• Keep your area organized and free of clutter, and ensure children and pets are kept away from the workspace.
• Never handle internal parts with wet hands. Make sure both your hands and the work area are completely dry.
• Check your appliance’s user manual for specific instructions or safety guidelines related to your repair.
• Handle parts gently to prevent damaging the appliance or injuring yourself by using too much force.
• Wear safety glasses if you’re dealing with chemicals, dust, or large debris to protect your eyes.
• If the appliance was recently used, give it time to cool down before working on any heated components.
• Take photos or notes of wiring connections before disconnecting anything. This makes reassembly much easier.
• Avoid touching exposed wires or terminals. If you need to handle wires, use non-conductive tools or wear insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Removal Steps

Make sure both power and water are off before beginning any repairs.

1. Open the dishwasher door all the way so the rack easily slides out.
2. On each side of the rack, press in the gray locking tabs to release the rack from the slide track hooks.
3. Lift straight up on both sides at the same time to detach the dish rack. Set it safely aside.
4. Carefully extend the entire slide track assembly out from the tub walls until stopped. Push the rails back into the tub to keep them out of your way while working.
5. Using a flat blade screwdriver, pry off the two end caps from either side of the door frame.
6. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws now exposed anchoring the tub to the cabinet.
7. Slowly pull the entire dishwasher front 3/4 of the way out while taking care not to kink or stress any of the supply lines.
8. Check that the water and drain lines have enough slack to continue pulling the unit out slightly more. If not, you’ll need to disconnect them first before proceeding.
9. Peel back the insulation wrap on both sides to reveal the entire plastic track assembly.
10. Using a 5/16-inch nut driver, remove the two screws at the top of the mounting bracket, followed by the two bottom screws. Support the track assembly by hand on the inside while removing these final screws.
11. Maneuver the broken dish rack slide track out from the side cavity walls and set it aside.

Installation and reassembly 

1. First, replace the two upper 5/16-inch mounting screws to temporarily hold the track in place. Make sure the curved front wheel section is facing inward toward the dish rack.
2. Replace the two lower screws next, firmly tightening all four screws to lock the entire plastic track firmly against the side wall.
3. On both sides, tuck the insulation wrap back into place over and behind the slide track assembly bracket.
4. Making sure no lines are pinched or snagged, gently slide the dishwasher back into the cabinet cutout underneath the countertop.
5. Using your Phillips head screwdriver, reinstall the two long screws into either side of the door frame to anchor the tub securely to the cabinet again.
6. Snap both end caps back into place to hide the exterior screw heads.
7. There are two rotating wheels/pins on each side of the rack that fit into the slide track rollers.
8. The rear pins should fit into the track first, followed by the front pins.
9. Line up the rack directly over the slide tracks and tilt it so the rear wheels drop into the exposed roller section first.
10. Keeping the rack tilted, push it partially into the tub, then straighten it downward so the front wheels align with and drop into the front exposed roller section as well.
11. If properly aligned and fully engaged, you should be able to easily extend the upper rack all the way out and push it smoothly back into the tub.
12. Close the dishwasher door and latch it shut.
13. Turn the hot water supply line back on underneath the sink.
14. Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
15. Run a short rinse cycle empty to verify no leaks and ensure proper dish rack movement.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the dishwasher slide track assembly in your KitchenAid, Whirlpool or Maytag 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.

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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