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Product Details: Whirlpool WPW10546503 Upper Rack Adjuster – Genuine OEM Replacement Part for Dishwashers

Overview

Enhance the versatility of your dishwasher with the Whirlpool WPW10546503 Upper Rack Adjuster, a genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement part designed for smooth, flexible upper rack adjustments. This part allows you to adjust the height of your dishwasher’s upper rack, accommodating larger items like pots, pans, and tall glasses for optimal loading and cleaning. Compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and various Sears/Kenmore dishwashers, this adjuster is the perfect solution for restoring rack functionality and maximizing your dishwasher’s capacity.

Key Features

• Genuine Whirlpool Part: Manufactured by Whirlpool, ensuring factory-quality fit, durability, and performance.

• Upper Rack Adjustability: Enables height adjustment of the upper dishrack to fit taller dishes, improving loading flexibility and cleaning performance.

• Individual Part: Sold as a single unit, suitable for either the left or right side of the upper rack (order two for both sides if needed).

• Wide Compatibility: Fits multiple dishwasher brands under the Whirlpool umbrella, including Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and more. Also compatible with some Kenmore dishwashers.

• Durable Design: Made from high-quality, heat-resistant plastic with sturdy components, designed to withstand regular use, high temperatures, and detergents.

Specifications

• Part Number: WPW10546503

• Type: Upper Rack Adjuster (Dishrack Adjuster Arm)

• Function: Adjusts the height of the upper dishrack for flexible loading, connecting it to the track for smooth sliding.

• Material: Grayish-black, heat-resistant plastic with metal or reinforced plastic clips for durability.

• Dimensions:
  
  • Adjuster Arm: Approximately 9.8” W x 6.6” H (varies by version; includes wheel and housing).
  
  
  • Wheel Bracket: Approx. 11-5/8” L x 1-1/8” W x 6-1/4” H.
  
  
  • Housing: Approx. 5-7/8” H x 3-1/8” W x 1-1/2” D.
  
  
  • Positioner Clips: Small, typically under 1” (specific dimensions vary).
  
  

• Weight: Approximately 0.3–0.5 lbs (based on retailer specs and user reports).

Compatibility

The Whirlpool WPW10546503 Upper Rack Adjuster is a versatile replacement part suitable for a variety of dishwasher models across Whirlpool and affiliated brands. It’s an ideal solution for the following:

• Whirlpool Brands: Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and other Whirlpool-manufactured dishwashers (e.g., models like WDT730PAHZ, MDB4949SHZ, KDTM404EBS, KUDS30IXWH).

• Sears/Kenmore Dishwashers: Compatible with some Kenmore models produced by Whirlpool, such as Kenmore 665.13212K900, 665.14723K311, and similar units.

Cross-Reference Information

This part number (WPW10546503) replaces the following part numbers, ensuring you can find the right fit for your dishwasher:

• AP6022813

• W10911100

• W10546502

• W10546503

• W10306646

• W10418314

• 3447645

• PS11756150

• WPW10546503VP

Verify compatibility with your dishwasher’s model number (found on the interior door, side panel, or manual). Common compatible models include Whirlpool Gold, Maytag Bravos, KitchenAid Architect, and Kenmore Elite dishwashers from the early 2000s to 2020s (e.g., KDFE104DBL0, KDTE204ESS3, WDT970SAHZ0).

Benefits

• Restores Rack Adjustability: Fixes issues like difficulty adjusting the upper rack, sagging, or detachment, ensuring smooth height changes and secure positioning.

• Upgraded Durability: Made from high-quality, heat-resistant plastic (often grayish-black), designed to resist wear from high temperatures, detergents, and regular use.

• Cost-Effective: Save on replacement costs by repairing your dishwasher with a genuine OEM part instead of purchasing a new appliance.

• Trusted Quality: Backed by Whirlpool’s reputation for reliable, high-performance appliance parts, with a 1-year limited warranty from Whirlpool (verify with retailer).

Common Causes of Upper Rack Adjuster Failure

Upper rack adjusters can fail due to:

• Regular Wear and Tear: Prolonged use (typically 5–10 years) wears down plastic components, causing cracks or breaks in clips, wheels, or brackets.

• Overloading the Rack: Excessive weight or improper loading strains adjuster mechanisms, leading to bending, snapping, or misalignment.

• Exposure to High Temperatures and Detergents: Heat cycles and chemical exposure degrade plastic parts over time, compromising structural integrity.

Symptoms of a Failing Upper Rack Adjuster

• Upper Rack Difficult to Adjust or Won’t Stay in Place: Hard to raise or lower the rack for different dish sizes, or it slips out of position.

• Broken or Worn Parts on the Adjuster Mechanism: Cracked wheels, missing clips, or snapped brackets prevent proper function.

• Rack Falls Down or Cannot Be Lifted to Its Higher Position: Rack sags or detaches, hindering loading or closing the door.

• Visible Signs of Wear or Damage: Scratches, cracks, or brittleness on adjuster components, especially locking tabs or positioners.

Installation Tips

• Tools Required: Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, and possibly needle-nose pliers. Always disconnect power before starting repairs.

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium—DIY-friendly for those with basic appliance repair experience; rated “easy” by customers on PartSelect and RepairClinic. Professional help is recommended if unsure.

• Time: Typically 15–30 minutes per side, depending on dishwasher model and user expertise (e.g., accessing the upper rack and adjuster assemblies).

• Steps:
  
  1. Unplug the dishwasher or shut off the house circuit breaker.
  
  
  1. Pull out the upper rack and place it upside down on a work surface.
  
  
  1. Raise the wheels to maximum height.
  
  
  1. Release clips (rear, front, middle) using a flathead screwdriver—press tabs gently to avoid breaking new parts.
  
  
  1. Remove the old adjuster, align the new WPW10546503, and snap clips back into place.
  
  
  1. Test by raising/lowering the rack—ensure smooth sliding on tracks.
  
  

• Helpful Tips: Watch online tutorials (e.g., PartSelect’s W10546503 video, YouTube) for your model (e.g., WDT730PAHZ). Replace both left and right adjusters if one fails, as they wear similarly.

For safety and optimal results, refer to your dishwasher’s service manual or specific installation guides.

Recent Reviews and Insights (Online Research)

• Customer Feedback (PartSelect, RepairClinic, Amazon, eBay, Reliable Parts):
  
  • Users report, “Fixed sagging rack in 20 mins—super easy with the video!” (PartSelect, 2023).
  
  
  • Common praise: “New design feels sturdier than the original plastic—holds pots fine now” (Amazon, 2024).
  
  
  • Complaints: Some note brittle clips or tabs breaking during installation—recommend gentle pressure and videos (e.g., “Use flathead carefully,” RepairClinic).
  
  
  • Durability: Rated well (4–5 stars), but some aftermarket versions fail faster—OEM WPW10546503 lasts longer (5+ years reported).
  
  
  • Tip: Order two adjusters for both sides, as dishwashers typically need left and right (sold individually).
  
  

• Performance: Fits upper racks in Whirlpool-built dishwashers, adjusting height via wheel brackets and positioner clips. Fixes symptoms like “rack falls,” “can’t adjust height,” or “rack won’t slide.”

Why Choose Genuine Whirlpool Parts?

Genuine Whirlpool parts, like the WPW10546503 Upper Rack Adjuster, are engineered to meet the exact specifications of your appliance. Unlike generic or aftermarket parts, Whirlpool OEM components ensure:

• Perfect fit and function (e.g., precise dimensions for tracks and clips).

• Longevity and durability, tested for heat resistance and detergent exposure.

• Manufacturer warranty support (typically 1 year, confirm with retailer).