How to replace Whirlpool dishwasher rack adjuster kit W10712395

Is your dishwasher’s upper rack sagging or getting stuck? This common issue often stems from worn-out rack adjusters, but don’t fret—our easy DIY guide has you covered. With just a screwdriver and our handy how-to video below, you’ll have your dishwasher rack gliding smoothly again 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!

Got a sagging or stubborn upper rack in your dishwasher? Chances are, the rack adjusters are worn out—and the W10712395 kit is the fix you need. Good news: it’s a quick and easy repair you can totally handle yourself. Grab a screwdriver and follow along as we walk you through swapping out those busted parts and getting your rack rolling smoothly again.

WATCH: How to replace a dishrack adjuster kit

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 is the dishrack adjuster kit important?

Before getting into the details of replacement, let’s check out why the dishrack adjuster kit is so important for your dishwasher. This kit lets you adjust the height of the upper rack to fit dishes of different sizes. As time goes on, parts of the kit might get damaged or worn out, messing with the adjustability and causing less effective cleaning or dish damage.

Signs a replacement is needed

How do you know it’s time to replace your rack adjuster kit W10712395? Keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

• Difficulty in adjusting the rack’s height.
• Visible wear or breakage on the adjuster components.
• The rack feels loose or falls off its track.

Tools and materials needed

You’ll need a few basic tools for the repair:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Towel
• Adjuster kit– Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your unit.

Safety first

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 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 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Remove the old adjuster

1. Press the release tab on each end cap.
2. Slide them inward to detach.
3. Set both aside for later.
4. Fully extend the upper rack and pull it completely out.
5. To avoid any damage, gently place it on the towel on your work surface.
6. Use the flathead screwdriver to detach the front and rear guides.
7. Press in their tabs and lift them up to remove them.
8. Locate the locking tab on the adjuster housing.
9. Press the tab and slide the housing off the upper rack.
10. Pry out the two side locking tabs on the cover with the screwdriver.
11. Lift the cover-up and off the upper housing tabs.
12. Set the old adjuster components aside.

Install the new adjuster 

For the installation of the new adjuster kit, it’s important to read the instructions that come with the kit for proper assembly. However, we’ll provide you with a general outline of the process:

1. Find the two vertical slots cut into the upper rack.
2. Count over 2 slots from the front notch.
3. Insert the new roller assembly through this second slot, and make sure the orientation is correct.
4. Line up the opening of the adjuster housing so that it matches up with the roller.
5. Push the housing down until it snaps into the locking tabs securely.
6. Insert the release lever into either the left or right side of the housing, depending on which adjuster you’re installing.
7. Angle and press the lever so that the top sits flush.
8. Line up the cover so its top tabs are inserted into the slots in the housing.
9. Press down firmly on the cover until the side-locking tabs click into place.
10. Use your torque driver to insert the provided screws and tighten them snugly into the cover.
11. Slide on the front and back guides.
12. Snap them back onto the notches on the rack.

Reassemble the rack

1. Line the rollers evenly with the rails.
2. Slide the upper rack back into the dishwasher.
3. Push the rack in and out to verify smooth travel.
4. Line up the tabs and press them into place. You’ll hear them click when they are properly fastened.
5. Push in both racks completely, and make sure that the upper one moves freely.
6. Close the dishwasher door.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the upper rack adjuster kit in your 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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