KitchenAid series 25 dishwasher lower wash arm issues

[dnastrau]

Greetings:

I have an 11-year-old KitchenAid KUDM25 dishwasher that we purchased new. The lower wash arm nylon bearings (bottom one in particular) has been a problem off and on in the life of this machine. The lower bearing is a split design and it eventially warps enough so that it doesn't stay in place. Once this happens, it jams between the top of the pump and the bottom of the lower wash arm and impedes the performance of the machine drastically. I have tried to "bend" it back into shape so that it will stay put inside the wash arm but that never lasts. I am ready to order another new bearing but wanted to see if anyone else had this problem and see what they did about it.

I am ready to epoxy the nylon bearing onto the lower wash arm so it will stay put but that will make future replacement impossible. The wash arm itself is about $80 and I'd like to avoid replacing that if I can.

As always, thanks for any advice!

Andrew S.

 

[jetcone]

I have the same machine

and the bearing just went after 10 years. I wonder how come you keep going thru bearings like that? I do a load a day and always have.

 

 

 

[dnastrau]

Lower bearing: glue in place?

Good question! Our machine probably averages one load a day as well. The lower bearing is somewhat worn but would still work if it would stay put. This is why I replaced the last one. I wish that it didn't have a split in it; if it were one solid piece I think it would last a lot longer without warping.

I am tempted to try using glue of some sort to keep it in place - but not something so agressive that I would never be able to remove it again if need be. I will post my results...

 

[combo52]

KA DW 24 AND 25 SERIES WASH ARM BEARINGS

The lower WA bearing will fail when the top WA bearing gets worn too thin, so be sure the top bearing is in perfect condition. Like most parts of a DW that are exposed to the wash water these parts fail much more quickly if the machine is being forced the wash clean dishes instead of dirty non rinsed dishes.

 

[dnastrau]

Upper bearing

Combo52: Thanks for the advice. I'll check the upper bearing and if it has wear I am just going to order a new set. We do not pre-rinse our dishes so the detergent attacking the machine because it has nothing to clean shouldn't be the problem with regard to these parts wearing out.