Circulation Pump & Motor

Circulation Pump & Motor

Paul from NC

Dishwasher became noisy and wasn't cleaning

Torx and phillips screwdrivers, socket wrench

Based on advice found online, it seemed that the circulation pump was the likely culprit for the issues we had with our dishwasher, but I wish I had looked more closely at the food chopper as it was the cause of the symptoms. It costs a fraction of the price to replace the motor and did not require removing the dishwasher from underneath the countertop. Once I was familiar with removing components underneath the spray arm, replacing the food chopper was easy. This particular part has a plastic spindle that wore out over time and allowed the chopper blade to not spin with the spindle. This resulted in the mesh screen becoming clogged with food particles which prevented the circulation pump from providing adequate water flow to the spray arms. I replaced the upper spray arm seal also because it looked worn. Replacing the motor was not too difficult, but does require removing the dishwasher from underneath the countertop. Save yourself some time and money by first checking the food chopper to make sure that is not the cause of your issues first.

Circulation Pump & Motor

Christine from MI

Dishes in the upper and lower rack were not cleaned satisfactorily.

Repair was done in two phases (as the root cause was identified through discovery). Basic tools were necessary, including Torx bits and socket wrenches with extensions for reaching deep

Item #1 - replacing the Chopper: Access the chopper through the inside of the Dishwasher - removing the upper arm/Spinner, lower spinner and base (as illustrated in several websites). In my case, the chopper was indeed caked with deposited waste, which in turn, blocked free flow of water into the wash arms. I had noticed the blade was damaged, so a replacement was ordered, then prepared for installation. It was upon closer inspection (comparing the new chopper to the old) that the story fell into place. The plastic teeth that mesh with the circulation pump were sheared/worn down, resulting in absolutely no engagement with the motor. I temporarily installed the new chopper - it too would not engage with the pump - indicating the teeth on the pump were compromised, as well. Note: If this worn interface were not identified, and the chopper installed, this lack of engagement to the pump, would soon result in plugged chopper and poor cleaning performance. Assure the chopper to motor engagement upon dry-fitting part before final installation. Item #2 - Circulation Pump: Upon the realization that the new chopper still lacked engagement to the pump, the Dishwasher was removed from under the counter (follow plumbing/electrical steps). The unit set on its side for access to the bottom - Pump removed w/ 10mm socket and extension. The teeth were indeed confirmed as sheared. The collar bearing was shattered (on pump shaft, beneath gear). I surmise some temporary stalling of pump/chopper interface, resulting in the catastrophic bearing and gear failures. New pump ordered, installed and checked for engagement prior final assembly and installation. Now, everything works well. I believe a cleaning of the chopper every 1-2 years will be worthwhile. The time noted below is the aggregate work time between both replacement efforts (3 hours). Chopper cleaning or replacement by itself would be less than 1 hour.

Circulation Pump & Motor

April from PA

Dishwasher would fill but not circulate water. Make humming sound attempting to pump water.

3/8" long socket. 1/2" socket. Channel locks. Pliers. Some Nickelback blasting.

I used the video to get an idea of what I was getting into. The process was simple. Have a couple towels ready for when you pull the hoses out. Turn the breaker off first. Disconnect electrical connection to washer. Disconnect hose from garbage disposal and machine. Pull machine out and flip over for easy access underneath to motor area. Disconnect all the wire harnesses for motor. Use the long 3/8" socket wrench to take out set screw for motor. Turn 1/4 way counter clock wise to remove motor. Make sure metal screen goes back in correctly lined up when putting new motor in. Tighten down same set screw. Plug back in wire harnesses. All the first steps backwards. Tube, electrical, etc. When you run machine first couple times it may make some noise when pushing little shit that may have sat since last used. It will go away and work better than ever.