How to Replace WD28X27241 Dishwasher Rack Carrier and Roller Kit on GE Dishwashers — Step-by-Step

You slide out your GE dishwasher rack and it lurches forward, scrapes the tub, or straight-up falls off the rails. That grinding sound? Dead rollers. The WD28X27241 carrier and roller kit fixes this in about 15 minutes without calling a tech. I've replaced these on everything from the CDT725SSF series to the newer ADT521PGF models — same process, same annoying failure mode.

What You Need Before Starting

This is one of the easiest dishwasher repairs you'll tackle. No panel removal, no electrical work — just direct access.

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver (for stubborn clips)
• Needle-nose pliers (optional, for retaining pins)
• Work gloves (those metal edges are sharp)

Repair time: 15-20 minutes per rack
Difficulty: EASY

Safety First

Pull the dishwasher racks completely out and set them on a towel-covered counter. You're working with small plastic clips and metal pins — work over a towel so nothing vanishes down a drain or rolls under the fridge. The old rollers sometimes explode into pieces when you remove them, so don't do this over an open dishwasher tub.

Step 1: Remove the Dishwasher Rack Completely

Pull the rack out as far as it'll go, then lift the front up at about a 20-degree angle while pulling forward. It should clear the stops and slide right out. If your rack won't come out, you've got bigger problems — check for obstructions on the rails inside the tub.

Step 2: Locate the Failed Roller Assemblies

Flip the rack upside down. You'll see the carrier and roller assemblies on each corner — they're the gray plastic housings with white wheels. The WD28X27241 kit includes everything: carriers, rollers, and the metal pins that hold them in place. If your wheels are cracked, won't spin, or the carrier housing is broken, you're in the right place.

Step 3: Remove the Old Roller Assemblies

The rollers are held by small retaining pins that slide through the carrier. Use needle-nose pliers to grip the pin head and pull straight out. Some models use a clip-style retainer — just pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. Once the pin's out, the roller assembly drops right off. Do this for all four corners. Keep the old pins if the new kit doesn't include them, but the WD28X27241 should have everything.

Step 4: Install the New Roller Assemblies

Slide the new carrier into the rack channel — it only fits one way. The roller wheels should face down (toward the floor when the rack's installed). Push the new retaining pin through the carrier hole until it clicks or seats fully. Give each roller a spin — they should rotate freely without wobble. If a roller binds, you didn't seat the pin correctly.

Step 5: Reinstall the Rack and Test

Flip the rack right-side up, align it with the rails inside the dishwasher tub, and slide it back in at a slight angle. Once it's on the rails, push it all the way back and pull it forward a few times. It should glide smoothly without grinding or catching. Load a few plates and slide it in and out under weight — that's the real test.

Testing After Installation

Run an empty cycle or just let it sit through a rinse. Listen for scraping sounds. If the rack still binds, check that all four rollers are installed correctly and spinning freely. Sometimes one pin isn't fully seated and the roller sits crooked. Also check the dishwasher rails themselves — if they're bent or have buildup, even new rollers won't help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this kit work on both upper and lower racks?

Yes, the WD28X27241 fits both racks on compatible GE models. The carrier design is universal across the ADT521PGF, CDT725SSF, and CDT706P2M series. You might need two kits if both racks are shot, but usually only one rack fails first.

How do I know if I need rollers or if the rails are bent?

Pull the rack out and inspect the rollers with your hand. If they don't spin freely or the plastic housing is cracked, replace them. If the rollers look fine but the rack still binds, run your finger along the metal rails inside the tub — you're feeling for dents, rust, or bent sections. You can't fix bent rails without replacing the entire rail assembly, which is a bigger job.

Can I replace just one corner instead of all four?

You can, but don't. If one roller failed, the others are close behind — they all get the same wear. Replace all four corners at once or you'll be back in there next month doing it again. The WD28X27241 kit is cheap enough that piecemeal repairs don't make sense.