Whirlpool Dishwasher Rack Off Track? Fix the Axle WP8268703

Tired of that frustrating wobble in your Whirlpool dishwasher’s upper rack? A worn-out roller axle could be the sneaky culprit behind all your dishwashing woes. Fear not, homeowners! Dive into our step-by-step video guide below and restore smooth, hassle-free operation to your dishwasher 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!

If your Whirlpool dishwasher’s upper rack keeps slipping off track or feels wobbly, chances are the culprit is a worn-out or broken roller axle, part number WP8268703. Don’t worry though, replacing it is easier than you might think. In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get that upper dishrack gliding smoothly again, no repair experience needed. Let’s get started and get your dishwasher back to running like new!

Watch here: How to replace upper dishrack roller axle

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.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Needle nose pliers
• 3/16-inch nut driver
• Upper dishrack roller axle WP8268703– Take your model number to AppliancePartsPros.com to locate the correct part for your model. 

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 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.
• 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.

Replacement Steps

1. Open the dishwasher door fully.
2. Pull the upper dish rack all the way out.
3. Lay a towel on your counter to avoid scratches.
4. Locate the end rail caps (one on each side of the rack).
5. Swing out each cap to unlock the rails.
6. Lift the dish rack so the front rollers come out of the rails.
7. Pull the rack forward and lift the rear rollers out of the tracks.
8. Place the rack upside down on the towel.
9. Locate the axle in the center of the roller.
10. Use needle-nose pliers to hold the axle from the side.
11. Using the 3/16-inch nut driver, remove the screw from the opposite side.
12. Pull the axle and roller off together.
13. Detach the roller from the old axle.
14. Insert the new axle through the roller.
15. Ensure the tabs on the axle align with the notches in the dish rack.
16. Hold the axle in place with needle-nose pliers.
17. Insert and tighten the screw using the 3/16-inch nut driver.
18. Line up the rear rollers with the rails and slide them in.
19. Push the rack back and drop the front rollers into place.
20. Snap both end caps back into their locked positions.
21. Slide the rack back into the dishwasher.
22. Remove the towel from the countertop.
23. Close the dishwasher door.
24. Plug the dishwasher back in or turn the circuit breaker on.
25. Test the rack to ensure it rolls in and out smoothly.

More Information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the upper dishrack roller axle in your Whirlpool 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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