Introduction: Maytag Quiet Series 300 Dishwasher Wheel Repair Hack

About: Eric J. Wilhelm is the founder of Instructables. He has a Ph.D. from MIT in Mechanical Engineering. Eric believes in making technology accessible through understanding, and strives to inspire others to learn …

The wheels on the rack adjuster assembly of the Maytag Quiet Series 300 Dishwasher seem to be poorly designed. In under three years of use, we have broken four of them -- even one within the first two months of operation.

Another wheel just broke, and I'm now out of spares supplied by Maytag during the warranty period. So, here's my hack to reattach the wheel and keep it washing dishes.

Step 1: Broken Wheel Bushing

Here's the wheel, broken wheel bushing, and a working one showing how it normally attaches. The crack you see here is the same way the others previously broke.

Step 2: Identify Replacement Part; Decide Not to Immediately Order

Repair Clinic, which is almost the entire point of this step, helps identify replacement parts for various appliances. In my case, it's a Rack adjuster assembly, right (or left). Unfortunately, Maytag doesn't supply just the wheel bushing (or wheel assembly), the only way to get a wheel is off of the adjuster assembly, of which I already have an extra -- minus wheels.

Step 3: Drill Out Wheel Bushing

Drill out the bushing so that a #8, #10, or similarly sized bolt fits through. If you don't have a countersink, use an oversized drill so a flathead bolt will sit flush. You will likely further crack and destroy the bushing. That's ok, because it will only be acting as a spacer.

Step 4: Install the New Bushing

In this new configuration, the bolt installs from the opposite side as the original screw. Tighten it with an appropriately sized nut. Note that the wheel no longer spins, it just slides.

Step 5: Cutoff the Extra Length of Bolt

I used a Dremel for this operation. Try not to drop the cutoff piece into the drain of the dishwasher like I did.

I ran the dishwashwer and didn't hear any crunching noises, so I assume it's fine.

This bolt isn't stainless, so eventually it will probably start to rust. I hope to have a new proper wheel by then.