How to Replace 8539324 Upper Spray Arm Mount on Whirlpool Dishwasher — Step-by-Step

You load the dishwasher, run a full cycle, and open it to find crusty food still stuck to your plates. The upper rack dishes are barely touched while the lower rack looks decent. That's your first clue that the upper spray arm mount is shot — either it's cracked, wobbling, or not spinning at all because the mount has given up.

The 8539324 upper spray arm mount is a common failure point on Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore, and Maytag dishwashers. It holds the upper spray arm in place and allows it to spin freely. When it cracks or wears out, water pressure drops and your dishes don't get clean. The good news? This is one of the easiest dishwasher repairs you'll ever do.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair requires almost no tools. Here's what you'll need:

• Your new 8539324 upper spray arm mount
• A towel (to catch any residual water)
• Good lighting

Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy — Perfect for beginners

Safety First

Before you start, unplug your dishwasher or flip the breaker. There's no electrical work in this repair, but it's smart practice. Also, pull out the bottom rack and mop up any standing water with a towel. You don't want a puddle on your floor when you pull the spray arm assembly out.

Step 1: Remove the Upper Dish Rack

Pull the upper dish rack all the way out and lift it off the roller tracks. Set it aside on your counter. You'll need full access to the spray arm underneath. With the rack out, you can clearly see the upper spray arm and the mount that holds it in place.

Step 2: Unscrew and Remove the Old Spray Arm

Look at the center of the upper spray arm. You'll see a plastic cap or a screw holding it down. On most models like the DU1020XTLB0 or GU1100XTLQ0, you can simply twist the entire spray arm assembly counterclockwise to remove it. Some older models have a cap that unscrews first. Once loose, pull the spray arm straight down. The old mount will come with it.

Step 3: Inspect the Old Mount

Now that the spray arm is out, look at the mount closely. You'll probably see cracks around the clips, worn plastic, or stress fractures. That's what's been killing your water pressure and causing those "not cleaning dishes properly" issues. The mount doesn't seal or hold the arm steady anymore, so water sprays everywhere except where it's supposed to go.

Step 4: Install the New 8539324 Mount

Here's where Whirlpool made this easier: the redesigned 8539324 mount doesn't require the top mounting clip and screw that older versions used. Just press the new mount onto the spray arm hub. Make sure it's seated fully — you'll feel it click into place. Then insert the spray arm assembly back into the dishwasher, aligning it with the water feed tube in the center. Twist clockwise until it locks.

Step 5: Test the Spray Arm Movement

Before you put the upper rack back in, spin the spray arm by hand. It should rotate freely with no wobble or resistance. If it binds or feels loose, remove it and reseat the mount. The arm needs to spin easily for proper water distribution. Give it a few test spins in both directions.

Testing After Installation

Replace the upper dish rack and run a quick rinse cycle — no dishes needed. Open the door mid-cycle (if your model allows) or right after it finishes and feel the upper rack dishes. They should be warm and wet, which means the spray arm is doing its job. If you had leaking issues before, check around the door seal and base — a properly mounted spray arm directs water where it belongs, not onto the door gasket.

Load a full rack and run a normal cycle. Your upper rack dishes should come out spotless. If you're still seeing cleaning problems, you might have a clogged spray arm hole or a different issue, but the mount itself is now solid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dishwasher spray arm mount keep breaking?

Hard water deposits and regular wear are the main culprits. The mount is plastic and handles constant water pressure and temperature changes. Over time, it becomes brittle. If you have hard water, mineral buildup can also cause extra stress on the mount. Replacing it every 5-7 years isn't unusual on heavily used dishwashers.

Will this mount work on my KitchenAid KUDS24SEBL3?

Yes. The 8539324 mount fits KitchenAid models like the KUDS24SEBL3 and KUDS25SHBL1, along with Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Maytag dishwashers. It replaces part numbers WP8539324, AP6013024, 8268844, and 9742994. Check your model number against the compatibility list, but if your old mount looks identical, you're good to go.

Do I need to remove the lower spray arm too?

No. The upper and lower spray arms are separate systems. You're only working on the upper assembly for this repair. The lower spray arm has its own mount, and unless it's also causing problems, leave it alone. This job is strictly about fixing that upper spray arm mount that's not letting your top rack dishes get clean.