spray arms for maytag dishwasher

Dishwasher Repair
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1

I need help, because I’m trying to remove limescale, hard water build up from my Maytag Dishwasher. I want to remove the top and bottom spray arms, but can’t figure out how. I’ve looked in my manuals and called the company, not help from either place. I would appreciate any help I could get. Thanks:confused:

3

Hi Bird,

Remove the lower spray arm by unscrewing the cap (#34 on the [break down diagram](http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?diagram_id=682486&&model_id=45312"break down diagrambreak down diagrambreak down diagram]break down diagram[/URL]). Remove the filter guard (36 on the ) and the cover (#4 on the ). Remove the pump housing filter (#6 on the ) and the rinse arm assembly (#7 on the [URL="http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?diagram_id=682486&&model_id=45312)).

Soak all affected parts in white vinegar and brush them, using a soft metal brush.

I do not recommend to remove the upper spray arm - you can damage the retainer.

Assemble it back. Start the regular wash cycle. After the dishwasher filled with water open the door and pour a gallon of white vinegar in and do not restart the cycle for about 12 hours.

Restart the dishwasher and finish the cycle.

Here are the break down diagrams for the Maytag dishwasher http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?diagram_id=682486&&model_id=45312

Gene.

4

Thanks, Gene.
I will give that a try.

5

Gene is correct to warn about removing the upper spray arm. This is due to the retainer clip not really being designed for removal. However, I found you can carefully remove the snap outlet nut above the arm and this allows you to avoid damaging the clip. Access to the nut is a bit awkward, as you’re working upside down. Take your time and don’t force it.
In my case, the upper arm wasn’t as clogged as the lower arm but it was enough so to warrant cleaning.

I’ve attached a couple of pictures of the retainer clip so you can better understand why it’s hard to remove. I didn’t find the standard parts drawings detailed enough so I thought others may benefit from these views. http://sdrv.ms/ZKLKaZ and http://sdrv.ms/ZKLEQI

Good luck.

Gene said:
Hi Bird,

Remove the lower spray arm by unscrewing the cap (#34 on the [break down diagram](http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?diagram_id=682486&&model_id=45312"break down diagrambreak down diagrambreak down diagram]break down diagram[/URL]). Remove the filter guard (36 on the ) and the cover (#4 on the ). Remove the pump housing filter (#6 on the ) and the rinse arm assembly (#7 on the [URL="http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?diagram_id=682486&&model_id=45312)).

Soak all affected parts in white vinegar and brush them, using a soft metal brush.

I do not recommend to remove the upper spray arm - you can damage the retainer.

Assemble it back. Start the regular wash cycle. After the dishwasher filled with water open the door and pour a gallon of white vinegar in and do not restart the cycle for about 12 hours.

Restart the dishwasher and finish the cycle.

Here are the break down diagrams for the Maytag dishwasher http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?diagram_id=682486&&model_id=45312

Gene.

6

On mine, to remove the upper arm, you want to unscrew #32 from the ceiling of the dishwasher (see the diagram posted by Gene). Then the whole arm comes off. Then you can gently push the prongs together on #31 from the other side and remove it so you can flush out the inside. If you just pull on #31 with pliers or something, you will almost certainly break it. The arm gets filled with bits of crud and plastic, cleaning it out helped a lot.