How to Replace a Samsung Dishwasher Rack Adjuster

The upper rack hangs from two adjuster mechanisms — one per side — that let you raise or lower the rack to clear tall glasses or big plates. They are molded plastic and take the rack's full loaded weight every cycle, so eventually one wing snaps and that corner drops. Both sides usually wear together, so plan to replace the pair even if only one has failed.

You often feel the failure before you spot the broken clip: the rack seats crooked, one edge scrapes the door frame as it rolls, or a dish on the sunken corner blocks the spray arm and comes out dirty. Because the clips are inexpensive and the swap is quick, replacing the pair at the first sag beats fighting a lopsided rack for weeks. Do it with the tub empty and dry so you can see the rail ends clearly.

What you need#

Almost nothing: this is a hands-only job. Keep a pair of needle-nose pliers nearby only to fish out broken clip fragments. For parts, order the Samsung upper rack adjuster, part DD82-01121A, which is sold left and right and varies by model, so buy the set.

Safety#

No safety precautions needed. You do not need to disconnect power or water for this repair. The adjusters are accessed from inside the tub with the door open.

The swap#

1. Roll the upper rack out. Open the door and pull the top rack toward you to its stop so you can see how it hangs on the rails.
2. Find the adjusters. Look at each side where the rack meets the rail — the adjuster is the plastic piece the rail rides through, usually with a small lever or tab.
3. Lift the rack off completely. Release the rail stops at the back of each side and slide the rack free of the rails so you have clear access to both adjusters.
4. Pull the broken adjuster. Unclip the failed piece from the rack; if a fragment stayed behind on the rail, grab it with the needle-nose pliers so nothing rattles into the tub later.
5. Check the rail end. Wipe the rail tip and look for burrs or bends from the rack dropping — a chewed rail end will chew the new clip too, so dress any rough edge smooth.
6. Clip in the new adjuster. Press the replacement onto the rack in the same orientation as the old one until it seats with a click. Match left to left and right to right.
7. Do the other side. Repeat with the second adjuster so both corners carry the load evenly; a single new clip beside a worn one just fails again.
8. Rehang the rack. Line the rack up on both rails and slide it back in past the stops, confirming it rolls smoothly the full depth.
9. Set the height. Use the levers to raise or lower the rack to the position you want, keeping both sides on the same setting so it sits level.
10. Check spray-arm clearance. With the rack set, make sure the mid or lower spray arm still spins freely with the rack pushed in — a rack set too low will jam the arm and leave dishes dirty.

When to call a pro#

If the rails themselves are bent or the rack frame is cracked rather than just the clips, you are into a rack-assembly replacement that is worth pricing against the machine's age. A rack that still drops with fresh adjusters usually means a rail mounting point in the tub wall has broken loose.

Need professional help?#

• dishwasher repair service
• Samsung appliance repair
• dishwasher repair cost guide