What Causes the Bearings to Go Bad in a Dishwasher?

Food Buildup

• The most common cause of bearings sticking and becoming damaged is food buildup inside the spray arm and around the bearing. As food is washed from plates it forms a sticky paste that eventually hardens. Remove food buildup from around the bearings by running an empty load with 1 cup of chlorine bleach followed by a second empty load with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar.

Improper Loading

• Never cover the spray arm’s access points when loading dishes. While it might be tempting to fill your dishwasher and slightly cover the area, you increase the risk of the spray arm popping up and hitting dishes. When this happens, the shock from hitting the dishes strains the bearing underneath, causing it to loosen.

Loose Cutlery

• Toddler sippy cup pieces and tiny tea spoons are notorious for getting lost under a spray arm. When this happens, the plastic can shred into strings and entangle around the bearings. The result is one very messed up bearing and dishwasher motor. Small pieces should always be placed in a closed basket to prevent escape during washing.

Time

• No machine piece lasts forever, including bearings. Over time, bearings thread and crack and require replacement. Thankfully, replacing bearings is a simple process of removing the spray arm and replacing the piece, so most owners can complete the task themselves.