How to Install Tub Wheel (Not a Rack Wheel) WP99002947 in a Whirlpool Dishwasher
Quick answer: Slide the upper rack out and lift it off its rails, locate the worn roller mounted on the tub-side track, pry its clip off the stud, press WP99002947 onto the same stud until it clicks, then set the rack back on and roll it in and out to confirm it glides straight without dropping.
Roller WP99002947 is the wheel that lives on the dishwasher tub itself, not on the rack. Whirlpool sells two very different wheels for the same rack system, which is why the listing warns that this is a tub wheel and not a rack wheel. The rack wheels bolt to the wire basket; this track roller sits on the stationary rail attached to the tub wall and lets the extending track glide in and out. If your upper rack drags, tilts to one side, or binds halfway, a cracked or flat-spotted tub roller is the usual culprit, even when the rack wheels look fine.
This is one of the easiest jobs on a dishwasher. No plumbing, wiring or panels have to come off; you work inside the open tub with the upper rack removed, and the job takes a few minutes. Because the assembly may include more than one small piece, compare the bag contents against your parts diagram before you start.
See part details and every compatible model: WP99002947
- Unplug the dishwasher or switch off its breaker before reaching into the tub; the door switch and heating element are live otherwise.
- Let the tub cool completely if a cycle just finished, because the heating element and the lower rack can stay hot for a while.
- Wear work gloves. The rail edges and the broken plastic of an old roller can be sharp.
- Keep small clips and pins away from children and pets, and do not let them drop into the sump where they could reach the pump.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Replacement tub wheel WP99002947
- Flat-blade screwdriver or a plastic trim tool for popping the old roller off
- Needle-nose pliers for stubborn retaining clips
- Small flashlight to see the rail inside the tub
- Clean rag and a mild degreaser to wipe the rail
- Work gloves
Step-by-Step Installation
- Kill the power and open the door Unplug the machine or flip its breaker, then open the door fully so it rests flat and gives you a stable work surface.
- Remove the upper rack Pull the upper rack all the way out, then lift the front so the rack wheels clear the end stops and slide it free of the track. Set it aside on a towel.
- Find the tub-side roller Look at the rail fixed to the tub wall on the side where the rack was binding. The small wheel riding on that rail, near the front of the tub, is the one you are replacing.
- Free the old roller Slip a flat screwdriver behind the roller and lever it off its stud, or squeeze the retaining clip with pliers if the roller is held that way. Note which way the flange faced before it comes off.
- Clean the rail and stud Wipe grease, grit and food film off the rail and the mounting stud so the new wheel seats fully and turns freely.
- Press on WP99002947 Set the new roller on the stud in the same orientation as the old one and push firmly until you hear or feel the clip snap home. Spin it by hand; it should turn with no wobble.
- Check the opposite side While the rack is out, inspect the roller on the other rail. If it is cracked or flattened, replace it now rather than in a month.
- Reinstall the rack and test Set the rack wheels back onto the track, push the rack in and out several times, then load a few dishes and repeat. Restore power and run a short rinse to confirm nothing rubs the spray arm.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- The new roller spins freely by hand and does not rock on its stud.
- The rack glides in and out without catching, tilting or dropping at the front.
- The upper spray arm clears the bottom of the rack with the rack fully in.
- Both sides of the rack sit at the same height when fully extended.
- You are working on a model listed for this part, such as MDB4651AWB3, ADB2500AWS40 or DWU9906BAE; confirm on the rating plate inside the door.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ordering a rack wheel by mistake The wheels on the wire rack are a different part. WP99002947 mounts to the tub-side track. If your rack wheels are the problem, this roller will not fix them.
Forcing the roller on backwards The flange side faces the rail in a specific direction. Reversed, the roller sits proud, rubs the rack and pops off within a few cycles.
Leaving the rail dirty Grit under the new wheel acts like sandpaper and flattens it quickly. Thirty seconds with a rag saves you from doing this job again.
Replacing only one side Rollers wear together. A new wheel on one side and a flattened one on the other still makes the rack tilt and bind.
Working with the power on Reaching into a tub over a live heating element is an avoidable risk, even for a two-minute job.
Troubleshooting After Installation
The rack still sticks halfway out Check that the roller clicked all the way onto the stud and that the track itself is not bent. A rail that has been bumped down at the front will bind any roller.
The new roller fell off after a few cycles The retaining clip did not seat or the stud is worn. Reinstall and press until it locks; if the stud is damaged the track rail assembly needs attention.
The rack tilts to one side when pulled out The roller on the other rail is likely also worn, or a rack wheel is missing. Inspect and replace the mate.
Grinding or squeaking as the rack moves Food residue or a hard water film on the rail. Clean the rail with vinegar and a soft brush, then wipe dry.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Wipe down both tub rails every couple of months when you clean the filter.
- Do not overload the upper rack with heavy pots; the weight flattens small rollers fast.
- Pull the rack straight out rather than yanking it at an angle.
- Run a dishwasher cleaner or a vinegar cycle periodically to keep mineral film off the rails.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 742 Whirlpool models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.
Repair Difficulty and Time
Difficulty: Easy. Typical time: 10 to 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WP99002947 the same as the wheels on my upper rack?
No. This is the track roller fixed to the tub-side rail. The wheels bolted to the wire rack are a separate part; check your parts diagram before ordering.
Do I need to remove any panels or disconnect water lines?
No. Everything is done inside the tub with the upper rack pulled out. Just cut power first.
Why does the listing say the assembly may include multiple parts?
Depending on production run, the roller may ship with its own clip or pin. Compare the bag contents with your parts diagram and use everything that matches your track.
How can I confirm this roller fits my dishwasher?
The part is listed for 742 Whirlpool models including MDB4650AWW and PDB2420AWX. Match your full model number from the plate on the door edge against the compatibility list.
Final Checklist
- Power disconnected at the plug or breaker
- Upper rack removed and set on a towel
- Old roller pried off and orientation noted
- Rail and stud wiped clean
- WP99002947 snapped fully onto the stud and spins freely
- Opposite-side roller inspected
- Rack reinstalled and glides smoothly loaded and empty
- Short rinse run with power restored, no rubbing noises