How to Install an Impeller Kit on a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Whirlpool dishwashers have a three-piece impeller system that is responsible for rotating the lower wash arm. The impeller system consists of a wash arm impeller, drain impeller and drain seal, which ensures that water does not pass through the bottom of the dishwasher. The two impellers are made of plastic and are subject to breaks and cracks over time, especially if the wash arm becomes obstructed, while the seal may break down as it begins to age. If the lower wash arm stops rotating or a banging noise is constantly heard from the dishwasher as it runs a wash cycle, the solution is often the replacement of the impeller kit.

Screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Hex-style screwdriver
Liquid dish soap

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the dishwasher breaker in your home's service panel to cut the dishwasher's power source.
- 2
  Open the dishwasher door and then remove the lower dish rack, which lifts straight out of the dishwasher.
- 3
  Remove the retainer screw at the center of the top of the lower wash arm and then remove the lower wash arm.
- 4
  Pull the water supply tube off of the rear of the pump and motor assembly.
- 5
  Remove the screws at the top of the pump outlet and wash arm support, and then remove the pump outlet and wash arm support.
- 6
  Secure the old wash impeller using an adjustable wrench and then remove the hex-style screw from the center of the wash impeller. Pry the wash impeller out using a flat-head screwdriver.
- 7
  Remove the screws that secure the separator assembly, which are now visible with the wash impeller removed. Lift the separator assembly out of the dishwasher.
- 8
  Lift the grind bushing, as well as the chopper blade and spring, off of the drain impeller. Remove the check ball from the drain cover by simply lifting it out.
- 9
  Remove the screw securing the drain cover and gasket and then remove the drain cover and gasket.
- 10
  Pry the old drain impeller out using a flat-head screwdriver.
- 11
  Pry the motor shaft seal off of the bottom of the pump housing using a flat-head screwdriver.
- 12
  Lubricate the new motor shaft seal using liquid dish soap and then slide the new seal into the pump housing. Ensure that the graphite ring on the seal is centered with the shaft.
- 13
  Install the new drain impeller by sliding it onto the shaft.
- 14
  Reinstall the drain cover and gasket, as well as the check ball.
- 15
  Slide the spring into the bottom of the chopper blade if it was removed and then install the chopper blade and spring onto the drain impeller. Ensure that the spring is inserted into the hole on the base of the drain impeller.
- 16
  Reinstall the separator assembly and secure it into position using the screws that were removed.
- 17
  Install the new wash impeller using the hex-head screw that was removed to secure it into position.
- 18
  If applicable, pull the gasket at the top of the separator assembly out and install the new separator gasket.
- 19
  Replace the pump outlet and use the screws that were removed to secure it into position.
- 20
  Reconnect the water supply tube and then reinstall the lower wash arm.
- 21
  Return the lower dish rack to the dishwasher and then close the dishwasher door.
- 22
  Restore the dishwasher's power supply.

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