Whirlpool & KitchenAid Dishwasher Upper Rack Wheel Parts — Models & Compatibility

When your dishwasher's upper rack stops rolling smoothly or the door won't close properly, those tiny plastic wheels are usually the culprit. This replacement wheel (8268785, also sold as WP8268785, AP6012257, and PS11745464) fits over 20 Whirlpool and KitchenAid dishwasher models, particularly the KUDM series that came out in the mid-2000s.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Check your model number first — it's stamped on the frame inside the dishwasher door, usually along the top or side edge. If you've got a KitchenAid KUDM01FK or KUDM01TJ series (like KUDM01FKBL0, KUDM01TJSS1, or any variation ending in BL, BS, BT, SS, or WH), this wheel will fit. Whirlpool models in the compatible range include several GU series units as well.

About This Replacement Part

These upper rack wheels take a beating every single wash cycle. They're constantly exposed to hot water, detergent, and the weight of your dishes rolling back and forth. Over time, the plastic degrades and cracks, or the wheel simply wears down until it can't rotate anymore. When that happens, you'll notice the rack catches or sticks when you pull it out, or in more severe cases, the misaligned rack prevents the door from sealing properly. The 8268785 wheel assembly is a direct OEM-compatible replacement — same dimensions, same mounting style as the original Whirlpool part. You're essentially buying four years of smooth operation for about the cost of running your dishwasher twice.

Compatible Model Series

This wheel fits primarily KitchenAid built-in dishwashers from the KUDM01FK and KUDM01TJ series, along with select Whirlpool models. Here's the full breakdown:

• KitchenAid KUDM01FK Series: Black (BL), Biscuit (BT), Stainless (SS), and White (WH) finishes
• KitchenAid KUDM01TJ Series: Black (BL), Black Stainless (BS), Biscuit (BT), Stainless (SS), and White (WH) finishes
• Whirlpool GU Series: Select models — verify your specific model number before ordering

Installation Overview

Replacing these wheels is straightforward. Pull the upper rack completely out of the dishwasher, flip it over, and you'll see the wheels mounted on the rack frame rails. Most designs use a simple clip or snap-fit mechanism — press the release tabs and the old wheel pops off. Slide the new wheel into the same position until it clicks. No tools required for most models, though occasionally you'll need a flathead screwdriver to pry stubborn clips. The entire job takes about five minutes per wheel.

Why This Part Fails

Door won't close? That's actually one of the tell-tale symptoms of failed rack wheels. When a wheel breaks or seizes up, the upper rack sits lower than it should or tilts at an angle. This misalignment means dishes stick up too high and physically block the door from latching. Before you call a tech, pull out that upper rack and spin each wheel with your finger. If any wheel doesn't rotate freely or has visible cracks, replace it. Many folks replace all the wheels at once since they wear at similar rates — if one failed, the others aren't far behind.