KitchenAid KUDS02FRBL0 -- new motor?

[cornutt]

My KitchenAid KUDS02FRBL0 has, for the past two weeks, been making a buzzing noise that is getting steadily worse. It makes the noise whenever the wash motor runs. Last weekend I opened up the sump and checked the chopper; there were a couple of small chicken bones in there, but removing them made no difference. The chopper blade and screen are intact. As near as I can tell by looking in the various openings, the pump is clear. I can turn the chopper blade by hand, although it seems kind of stiff.

So, as near as I can tell, there are no shaft bearings inside the sump -- just the water seal. There is no sign of water underneath the dishwasher, neither dripping nor being flung. The only thing I can figure is that the wash motor bearings are shot. The noise is definitely coming from under the unit, although I can't tell for sure if it's the motor because the wash motor is behind the sump and I can't see it without pulling the unit out from the cabinet.

We're about to have some long-term house guests and we'll really need for the dishwasher to be working. So I went ahead and ordered a new motor. What say you, AW denizens? Do you think the motor is the problem, or have I jumped the gun?

 

[combo52]

KA Tall Tub DW

It does sound like you have a bad motor, they will usually keep running for a few months and keep getting a little noisier. You can either replace just the motor-impeller and seal or the entire pump and motor assembly [ more expensive ] This can be done without removing the machine but unless you have long skinny arms it may be easier to remove the DW from its installation.

 

[cornutt]

Thanks, combo52. I ordered the whole motor and pump assembly, as well as the door link kit to fix the door balance cable that broke a few weeks ago. (When it rains...) I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

 

[cornutt]

Well, it looks like I'm parting out a KUDS02FRBL0. I installed the new motor and pump. This model has one screw, and two locking tangs, that secure the motor and pump assembly to the sump. During the third load, the hole in the sump where the one screw goes stripped out; the motor and pump backed out, and a major flood ensued. I tried to repair the hole with J-B Weld, but when I tried to reinstall the motor, it just ripped out more of the plastic from the sump. My philosophy is that if it can't be fixed with J-B Weld, it can't be fixed.

Nearly everything is good except for the sump and the rinse aid dispenser. In particular, the control board, water valve, and drain motor and pump are functioning; the sprayer assembly and racks are in pretty good shape (I cleaned everything recently), and the door link assembly is brand new.

And I'd welcome any suggestions for a new dishwasher. I personally wouldn't mind a vintage Hobart Kitchenaid, but my DW won't go for that.

 

[combo52]

What Happened?

The complete pump assembly just sits into the DW tank, there are NO screws that secure the sump assembly into the DWs tank. Pictures Please.