How to Install Dishwasher Tine Row Clip 00418498 in a Thermador Dishwasher
Quick answer: Slide the rack out, find where the folding tine row pivots on the rack wire, pull off the broken clip, hook the new 00418498 over the wire at the same spot and press until it snaps closed, then fold the tine row up and down to confirm it holds position.
Tine row clip 00418498 is a small molded plastic part that holds a folding tine row in position on the wire frame of a Thermador dishwasher rack. When a clip cracks or goes missing, the tine row flops over during the wash, plates lean against each other, and glasses end up on their side full of water. It is one of the least expensive parts on the machine, yet it makes the difference between a rack that loads properly and one that fights you every night. The part is listed for 246 models, including Bosch-built units such as S35KMK17UC43 and Kenmore Elite dishwashers like 63016304404.
There is no wiring, no plumbing, and no need to touch anything but the rack, so this is an honest ten-minute job. The only real skill is getting the clip oriented correctly on the wire so the tine row still folds, and pressing it home without cracking the new plastic. This guide keeps the steps short and focuses on the details that decide whether the row stays put.
See part details and every compatible model: 00418498
- Wear gloves; a cracked clip leaves sharp plastic edges and the rack wire can have chipped coating.
- Let the dishwasher cool if it just finished a cycle before pulling the rack.
- Set the rack on a towel, not on the open door, so it cannot tip and pinch fingers.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Flashlight to see the underside of the rack
- Small flat-blade screwdriver to pry a stubborn broken clip
- Needle-nose pliers for fragments stuck on the wire
- Clean towel to set the rack on
- Warm water and dish soap to soften an old, brittle clip
Step-by-Step Installation
- Pull the rack Slide the rack out fully and lift it off the rails. Set it on a towel on the counter so you can see both sides of the tine row.
- Identify the clip position Fold the tine row and watch where it pivots on the rack wire. The clip sits at that pivot and snaps around the wire; note whether the old clip opens toward the front or the back of the rack.
- Remove the broken clip Squeeze the clip and pull it off the wire. If it is brittle, work a small screwdriver under the edge and lever it open, then pull any fragments off with pliers.
- Clean the wire Wipe the section of wire where the clip will sit. Grit or scale keeps the new clip from closing fully.
- Position 00418498 Hold the new clip so its opening faces the same direction as the old one, and line it up with the tine row pivot.
- Snap it on Press the clip over the wire with your thumb until you feel and hear it close. It should not rotate freely on the wire once seated.
- Test the fold Fold the tine row down and back up several times. It should move smoothly and stay where you leave it, with no wobble at the clip.
- Reinstall the rack Set the rack back on the rails, roll it in and out, and load a couple of plates to confirm the row supports them.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- The clip is fully closed around the rack wire with no visible gap.
- The tine row pivots freely but does not slide sideways along the wire.
- Clip orientation matches the other clips on the same rack.
- The rack rolls in and out without the new clip catching on the tub or rails.
- Plates loaded against the row stay upright through a full cycle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Snapping the clip on backwards If the opening faces the wrong way, the tine row binds when folded and the clip pops off in the wash.
Forcing a cold, stiff clip New plastic can crack if you hammer it on. Press with steady thumb pressure, and warm the clip in hot tap water if it resists.
Reusing a cracked clip A hairline crack opens up in hot water. Replace every clip that shows damage, not just the one that fell off.
Ignoring the wire coating If the rack wire is rusted where the clip sits, the clip will not grip and the rust will spread. Address the rack coating before fitting new clips.
Troubleshooting After Installation
Tine row still flops down during the wash Check that the clip is fully snapped shut and oriented like the others. A clip that is only partly closed lets the row slip.
Clip pops off after one cycle The wire diameter at that spot may be worn or the clip is on backwards. Reseat it, and compare its position with a working clip on the same rack.
Tine row is stiff and hard to fold The clip is pinching the pivot. Slide it a fraction along the wire so the row can rotate freely.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Fold tine rows by hand at the pivot rather than pushing on the tips of the tines.
- Check rack clips every few months and replace any that look chalky or cracked.
- Keep heavy pots off the folding rows so the clips are not overloaded.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 246 Thermador 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: 5 to 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is any tool required?
Usually not. A screwdriver helps only if the broken clip is stuck on the wire.
Does 00418498 fit both the upper and lower rack?
It fits the folding tine rows it is listed for. Compare the old clip with the new one before ordering; some racks use more than one clip style.
Why does the clip keep breaking?
Heat cycles make old plastic brittle, and forcing a row against a loaded rack stresses the pivot. Replace the clip and fold the rows gently.
Which models use this clip?
It is listed for 246 dishwashers, including Bosch S35KMK17UC36 and Kenmore Elite 63016303405. Check your model number on the door edge label.
Final Checklist
- Rack removed and set on a towel
- Broken clip and all fragments cleared from the wire
- Wire cleaned at the clip position
- New 00418498 oriented like the neighboring clips
- Clip pressed until it snaps fully closed
- Tine row folds smoothly and holds position
- Rack reinstalled and rolling freely