How to Replace 165314 Dishwasher Lower Rack Wheel on Bosch, Kenmore & Thermador — Step-by-Step

Your Bosch SHX46A05UC's lower rack is catching and grinding every time you pull it out. One of those little gray wheels has cracked, and now the entire rack wobbles like a shopping cart with a bad wheel. You're not alone — these plastic wheels take a beating from heavy dish loads and daily use, and they're one of the most commonly replaced dishwasher parts.

The good news? Replacing the 165314 rack wheel takes about 15 minutes and requires zero technical skill. You don't even need to pull the dishwasher out from under the counter. This repair works for Bosch, Kenmore, Gaggenau, and Thermador dishwashers — we'll show you exactly how it's done.

What You Need Before Starting

This is one of the easiest dishwasher repairs you'll ever do. Here's what you need:

• Replacement 165314 rack wheel (usually sold in sets of 2 or 4)
• Flathead screwdriver (small)
• Flashlight or phone light
• Work gloves (optional — prevents cuts from dish rack edges)

Repair Time: 10-15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy — No tools required for most models

Safety First

You don't need to disconnect power for this repair, but make sure the dishwasher is off and completely cool. Pull the lower rack all the way out and set it on a towel on your counter — this gives you way more room to work than crouching in front of the open dishwasher. Watch for sharp edges on the dish rack itself; those wire ends can scratch you up if you're not careful.

Step 1: Remove the Lower Dish Rack Completely

Pull the lower rack out as far as it'll go. Look at both sides where the rack sits on the rails — you'll see the wheel assemblies. On most Bosch models, you just lift the rack straight up at a slight angle to clear the rails. Some models have a release tab you need to press while lifting. If it feels stuck, you're probably not lifting at the right angle — try tilting the front up slightly.

Step 2: Flip the Rack and Locate the Damaged Wheel

Turn the rack upside down on your counter. You'll see the wheels mounted on short axle posts at each corner. The broken wheel is usually obvious — it's either cracked, wobbling, or completely missing. Each wheel snaps onto a plastic post that's part of the rack frame. Take a close look at how the good wheels are positioned before you start removing anything.

Step 3: Pop Off the Old Wheel

Here's the trick: these wheels have a small slot on one side that slides over a retaining tab on the axle post. Use your flathead screwdriver to gently pry between the wheel and the rack frame. You're looking for that slot — once you find it, the wheel will pop right off. Don't try to force it straight off; it won't work. If the wheel is completely destroyed and won't come off in one piece, just break off the remaining chunks with pliers.

Step 4: Install the New 165314 Wheel

Line up the new wheel with the axle post. You'll see that same slot on the new wheel — position it so the slot goes over the retaining tab. Push the wheel straight onto the post until you hear a solid click. Give it a spin — it should rotate smoothly without wobbling. If it feels loose or pops back off, you didn't get it fully seated. Try again, making sure the slot is aligned with the tab.

Step 5: Reinstall the Rack and Test

Flip the rack right-side up and slide it back into the dishwasher. Set it on the rails at a slight angle, then lower it into place. Pull the rack in and out a few times — it should glide smoothly now, no grinding or catching. Load up some dishes and make sure the rack rolls freely even with weight on it. If you replaced only one wheel and the rack still feels rough, check the other wheels. They often fail around the same time.

Testing After Installation

Run the rack through its full range of motion several times. It should feel noticeably smoother than before. Open and close it with a normal dish load — that's the real test. If you still hear grinding, you might have a wheel that didn't seat properly, or another wheel that's also damaged. Check all four wheels on the lower rack and the two on the upper rack while you're at it. These wheels are cheap, and replacing them all at once saves you from doing this job again in six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I replace all four wheels at once or just the broken one?

If one wheel failed, the others aren't far behind — they've all been supporting the same loads for the same amount of time. Replace all four wheels on the lower rack while you've got it out. Wheels usually come in packs of four anyway, and you'll save yourself from repeating this repair in a couple months when the next wheel cracks.

Will this wheel fit my Kenmore dishwasher?

The 165314 wheel fits Kenmore dishwashers that were manufactured by Bosch — and there are a lot of them. Check your model number against the compatibility list. If your Kenmore model starts with 630, it's probably a Bosch-made unit and this wheel will fit. When in doubt, pull out your existing wheel and compare it to the product photos before ordering.

Why do these wheels keep breaking on my dishwasher?

Heavy dish loads and hard water buildup are the main killers. If you're loading cast iron skillets or stacking too many dishes on one side, you're putting extra stress on these little plastic wheels. Hard water leaves mineral deposits on the rails that make the wheels drag and wear faster. Clean the metal rails with white vinegar every few months, and try to distribute weight evenly across the rack. Also, if your dishwasher rocks back and forth because it's not level, that puts uneven stress on the wheels and causes premature failure.