How to Replace W10350376 Dishwasher Upper Rack Adjuster on Whirlpool & KitchenAid — Step-by-Step

Your dishwasher's upper rack is stuck in one position, wobbling around, or completely fallen off the track. You've got a pile of tall pots that need washing, but that top rack won't budge. This is the telltale sign of a failed rack adjuster — and on models like the KUDE20FXSS4 or KUDE40FXBL4, it's more common than you'd think. One customer put it perfectly: "Part was exactly as needed but, with no instruction sheet, I had to hire a handyman to install." Let's save you that expense.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair doesn't require special tools, but you'll need:

• Flathead screwdriver (for prying off old adjusters)
• Needle-nose pliers (helpful for removing stubborn clips)
• Small towel or rag (to protect your dishwasher's interior)

Repair Time: 15-20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy — No disassembly required

Safety First

There's no electrical work involved here, but make sure your dishwasher is empty and the bottom rack is pulled out completely. This gives you clearance to work on the upper rack without banging your knuckles. If the rack has fallen off completely, inspect the roller wheels too — they might be worn down from running on bare metal after the adjuster broke.

Step 1: Pull Out the Upper Rack Completely

Slide the upper rack all the way forward until it stops. Lift the front edge up slightly while continuing to pull — the rack should come completely out of the dishwasher. Set it on a counter or table where you can work comfortably. You'll notice the adjusters on both sides near the front of the rack assembly.

Step 2: Remove the Failed Adjuster

The W10350376 adjuster clips onto the rack rail assembly. Locate the broken or stuck adjuster — it's the white plastic piece that sits in the track. Use your flathead screwdriver to gently pry it away from the mounting clips. There are typically two small tabs holding it in place. Don't force it — if it's really stuck, wiggle it side-to-side while pulling. The old adjuster should pop right off once you've released both tabs.

Step 3: Install the New W10350376 Adjuster

Take your new adjuster and line it up with the same mounting points where the old one sat. You'll feel it click into place when it's properly seated. The adjuster should move smoothly up and down in its track — this is what lets you raise or lower the upper rack. If it feels stiff, remove it and check that you've aligned it correctly. Press firmly until you hear both clips snap.

Step 4: Reinstall the Upper Rack

Slide the rack back into the dishwasher at an angle, lining up the wheels with the rails on both sides. Push it back until the adjusters engage with their tracks. Test the height adjustment mechanism by pressing the lever or tab (location varies by model) — the rack should move smoothly between positions. On models like the KUDE20IXSS8, you'll have three height positions available.

Step 5: Load Test and Verify

Before you call it done, load a few dishes on the upper rack and test the adjustment one more time. Make sure the rack doesn't wobble or sag on one side — that would indicate the other adjuster might be failing too. Try lowering it to the bottom position for tall items, then raise it back up. The mechanism should feel smooth and secure at every height.

Testing After Installation

Run your dishwasher through a quick rinse cycle empty to ensure the upper rack doesn't make any new noises or shift position mid-cycle. Check that the spray arm underneath clears the dishes on your upper rack at every height setting. If you're still hearing rattling, the roller wheels themselves might need replacement — but that's a different part number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this fix my dishwasher door that won't close properly?

Sometimes, yes. If your upper rack has fallen off-track due to a broken adjuster, it can prevent the door from closing or latching correctly. Once the adjuster is replaced and the rack is properly seated, the door should close smoothly again. However, if you're still having door latch issues after replacing the adjuster, you might have a separate door latch or strike problem.

Do I need to replace both adjusters at the same time?

Not necessarily, but it's smart to inspect both sides while you've got the rack out. If one adjuster failed due to age or wear, the other one is probably close behind. The plastic tabs wear down over time from constant adjustment, and they typically fail around the same mileage. If the other side looks cracked or won't hold position firmly, order a second W10350376 and replace both.

Why won't my dishwasher clean dishes after I adjusted the upper rack?

This is usually a spray arm clearance issue, not the adjuster itself. When you lower the upper rack, make sure tall plates or bowls on the bottom rack aren't blocking the upper spray arm from spinning. Also check that the dishes on the upper rack aren't hanging down far enough to block the lower spray arm. Finding the right rack height for your typical load takes some trial and error.