How to Replace 8268743 Dishwasher Upper Dishrack Wheel Mount on Whirlpool KitchenAid Kenmore — Step-by-Step

You're trying to slide out your upper dishwasher rack to load plates, and it's grinding, sticking, or wobbling like it's about to fall off the rails. That's your wheel mount giving up. When the plastic housing on the 8268743 upper dishrack wheel mount cracks or the roller seizes up, the entire rack becomes a wrestling match every time you load dishes. On Whirlpool models like the GU3200XTSS0 and KitchenAid units sharing this design, this part takes constant friction and eventually wears out.

What You Need Before Starting

This is one of the easier dishwasher repairs you'll tackle — no tools required in most cases. Here's what to have ready:

• Your replacement 8268743 wheel mount assembly
• A flashlight to see inside the dishwasher cavity
• A towel to catch any water drips from the rack

Repair Time: 10-15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Safety First

You don't need to disconnect power for this repair since you're only working on the mechanical rack system. Pull the upper rack completely out before starting, and set it on a towel on your counter to work comfortably. Watch for any sharp edges on the metal rack wires that might have burrs.

Step 1: Remove the Upper Rack Completely

Pull the upper rack out about halfway. Lift the front edge up while pulling forward — the rack should unhook from the rails and come free. Some Whirlpool models have stops you need to push in on the rail ends. Set the rack on your counter where you can flip it over to access the wheels underneath.

Step 2: Locate the Damaged Wheel Mount

Flip the rack upside down. You'll see four wheel assemblies — two at the front corners and two at the back. The 8268743 mounts have a plastic housing that clips onto the rack wire with the roller wheel exposed. Check each one for cracks in the housing, wheels that don't spin freely, or mounts that are loose and wobbling. If one's bad, it's smart to inspect all four since they wear at similar rates.

Step 3: Release the Old Wheel Mount

The wheel mount clips onto the rack wire frame with two tabs. Squeeze the tabs together while pulling the mount away from the rack. It should pop off with moderate pressure. If it's really stuck, gently pry with a flathead screwdriver under one tab while squeezing the other. Don't force it — the plastic can be brittle if it's been exposed to heat cycles for years.

Step 4: Install the New 8268743 Wheel Mount

Position the new wheel mount over the rack wire where the old one came off. You'll feel the tabs align with the wire. Push firmly until you hear a click — that's the tabs locking into place. Give the wheel a spin to make sure it rotates freely. The mount shouldn't wiggle side to side when you tug on it.

Step 5: Reinstall the Upper Rack

Flip the rack back over and carry it to the dishwasher. Align the wheels with the rails inside the cabinet. Insert the back wheels first, then lower the front while pushing the rack in. Slide it in and out a few times — it should glide smoothly without catching or grinding. If it still sticks, check that all four wheels are properly seated and spinning.

Testing After Installation

Run the rack through its full range of motion from fully closed to fully extended. It should move effortlessly without resistance. Load a few plates to add weight and test again. If you hear any clicking or grinding, pull the rack back out and verify the wheel is clipped on completely. Some people find their rack slides too easily now and doesn't stay in place — that's actually normal with fresh wheels compared to the worn-out ones you just replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dishwasher rack stick even after replacing the wheel mount?

Check the rails inside the dishwasher cavity for warping or debris buildup. Food particles and mineral deposits can accumulate on the metal rails, causing drag even with new wheels. Wipe down the rails with a damp cloth and verify they're straight. Also confirm you replaced the correct wheel — front and rear wheels may look similar but have different mounting positions on some models.

Can I replace just one wheel mount or should I do all four?

You can replace just the broken one, but if your dishwasher is more than five years old, the others are likely close to failure. The wheels all get the same amount of use, so they tend to wear out within months of each other. Replacing all four during one repair saves you from doing this job again in a few weeks when the next one breaks.

Will this wheel mount work on my Kenmore dishwasher?

Many Kenmore dishwashers built by Whirlpool use the same rack system. Check your model number against the compatibility list — models like the 665.13242K900 and similar 665-series units typically use this part. The easiest way to verify is comparing your old wheel mount to the photo of the 8268743. If the clip design and roller diameter match, you're good to go.