Maytag MDB8959SKZ – Chopper blade jammed Repair Guide

Model: Maytag MDB8959SKZ
Brand: Maytag
Model Number: MDB8959SKZ

🔍 Problem Description

Remove and clean chopper assembly; check for broken glass/debris

📋 What You’ll Need

• Chopper assembly
• Cleaning tools

🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

🔧 Step 1: Remove chopper assembly from dishwasher

1. First, turn off the dishwasher circuit breaker at your electrical panel to ensure there’s no power running to the unit.
2. Open the dishwasher door all the way until it’s flat.
3. Take out the lower dishrack completely and set it aside.
4. Find the circular spray arm at the bottom center of the tub—this is about 8 inches wide with several spray holes.
5. Grip the spray arm with both hands and pull straight up; it should lift off without any clips or fasteners.
6. Underneath the spray arm, locate the round filter assembly in the center of the sump area.
7. Turn the filter assembly counterclockwise about 1/4 turn until it releases.
8. Lift the filter assembly out; it consists of two pieces: an outer cylindrical screen filter and an inner fine mesh filter.
9. Look down into the circular opening where the filter sat—you should see the chopper assembly blade and housing at the sump’s bottom.
10. Identify the chopper assembly cover, a circular plastic component about 4 inches in diameter with tabs around its edge.
11. Position your fingers on opposite sides of the cover at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions.
12. Rotate the cover counterclockwise about 1/8 turn until the tabs align with the unlocking notches.
13. Lift the cover straight up and remove it from the sump opening.
14. Reach into the sump and grasp the chopper blade assembly by its hub.
15. Pull the chopper assembly straight up; it should come out easily without any extra fasteners.

🛠️ Step 2: Inspect for broken glass or debris

1. Open the dishwasher door fully until it sits at about 90 degrees from the cabinet.
2. Remove the bottom dish rack by lifting it straight up, clearing the front roller assemblies.
3. Unscrew the spray arm center cap by turning it counterclockwise by hand, then lift the lower spray arm off the central hub.
4. Position a flashlight at a 45-degree angle toward the sump area (the circular drain opening in the center bottom of the tub).
5. Look inside the sump for glass shards, food particles, or any other debris that may be visible.
6. Put on thick rubber gloves rated for cut resistance.
7. Use needle-nose pliers to remove any large debris pieces seen in the sump opening, placing them in a container nearby.
8. Unscrew the cylindrical filter assembly by turning it counterclockwise one-quarter turn, then lift it straight up.
9. Hold the filter under running water and inspect all mesh surfaces for embedded debris while rotating it 360 degrees.
10. Run your gloved finger along the filter mesh to find any glass shards lodged in the holes.
11. Inspect the sump cavity below where the filter sat, shining the flashlight down into it.
12. Use needle-nose pliers to extract any remaining debris from the sump cavity, reaching down to the chopper blade assembly.
13. Wipe the inside of the sump with a damp microfiber cloth to collect any fine glass particles or debris that pliers can’t grasp.

⚙️ Step 3: Clean chopper blade and housing

1. Locate the chopper blade assembly at the bottom center of the dishwasher tub.
2. Grip the chopper cover and rotate it counterclockwise 1/4 turn until it releases.
3. Lift the chopper cover straight up and set it aside.
4. Identify the two-blade chopper assembly inside the housing—it looks like a small propeller.
5. Grip the chopper blade firmly at the center hub and pull straight up until it lifts free from the motor shaft.
6. Inspect both surfaces of each blade for food particles or grease buildup.
7. Use a stiff nylon brush under running water to scrub both sides of each blade.
8. Clean the blade edges with a toothpick or wooden skewer to remove any debris.
9. Check the chopper housing cavity for any visible food particles or debris.
10. Wipe the interior walls of the housing with a damp cloth to ensure cleanliness.
11. Flush the housing by pouring 1 cup of clean water directly into the cavity while wiping.
12. Use a flashlight to verify the housing interior is clean.
13. Dry the chopper blade with a lint-free cloth.
14. Inspect the motor shaft in the housing—it should be clean and undamaged.

🔩 Step 4: Check chopper mechanism for damage

1. Locate the chopper assembly directly beneath where the spray arm was mounted.
2. Grip the chopper cover and rotate it counterclockwise until the tabs release.
3. Lift the chopper cover straight up and set it aside.
4. Remove the chopper blade by lifting it straight up off the center post.
5. Check both cutting edges for chips or cracks.
6. Run your finger along the outer rim of the blade for any deformations.
7. Inspect the black rubber seal on the underside of the chopper cover for any damage.
8. Examine the center drive post for cracks or missing splines.
9. Rotate the center post by hand; it should turn smoothly.
10. Check inside the housing for debris and remove as needed.
11. Inspect the housing for any cracks or damage.
12. Verify the blade spins freely when placed back on the center post.

📋 Step 5: Replace chopper assembly if blade is damaged or mechanism is broken

1. Rotate the chopper cover until the locking tabs align with the slots.
2. Lift the cover straight up and set it aside.
3. Locate the center mounting nut securing the chopper blade.
4. Hold the chopper blade stationary while using an 8mm socket wrench to turn the nut counterclockwise.
5. Remove the nut and any washers and place them aside.
6. Lift the damaged chopper blade assembly off the motor shaft.
7. Wipe the exposed motor shaft to clean it.
8. Position the new chopper assembly over the motor shaft and align it.
9. Slide the new assembly down until it sits flush against the pump housing base.
10. Place the lock washer and flat washer onto the shaft.
11. Thread the 8mm hex nut onto the shaft by hand until finger-tight.
12. Hold the blade stationary and tighten the nut to the specified torque.
13. Spin the blade manually to ensure it rotates freely.
14. Align the chopper cover tabs with the housing slots and lock it in place.

How Much Does This Repair Cost?

Repair route	Typical cost
Do it yourself	$25–$45 (chopper blade assembly)
Professional repair	$100–$175 (parts and labor)

For a DIY approach, the chopper blade assembly typically costs between $25 and $45, and any cleaning supplies you might need are inexpensive. If you bring in a pro, you can expect to pay around $100 to $175 total, including labor, and most technicians can complete this task in under an hour.

🛒 Recommended Products

Here are the recommended products for this repair:

• Seentech W10083957V Dishwasher Chopper Blade Assembly – Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore Dishwashers – Replaces: 8268383 WP8268383 AP5983779 W10083957 W10083957VP PS11722146

The Replacement Blade That Saves You from Ordering the Wrong Part

If cleaning doesn’t free up that jammed chopper, you might need a blade replacement. This is where many people accidentally order the wrong assembly and waste time waiting for delivery. The Seentech W10083957V is the perfect match for the MDB8959SKZ, and it comes pre-assembled, so you won’t be fumbling with parts in a tight space.

What works

• Drops straight into the chopper housing without any modifications—alignment is precise on this model.
• The blade edge is sharp enough to cut through light debris instead of just grinding, indicating the replacement is effective.
• Comes with mounting hardware already attached, eliminating the hassle of sorting through parts.

What doesn’t

• This assembly is designed for Whirlpool/Kenmore models only. If your MDB8959SKZ is a different version, verify the part number on your old blade before ordering.
• Installation requires removing the lower spray arm and filter basket, which can take about 20 minutes if you’re not familiar with it—don’t expect a quick swap.

I’ve seen people order the wrong chopper blade because they grabbed a generic “dishwasher blade” listing, only to find it didn’t fit. That’s a waste of $40 and a two-week wait. Always double-check your model number before hitting buy, then grab the Seentech W10083957V Dishwasher Chopper Blade Assembly – Compatible With Whirlpool Kenmore Dishwashers – Replaces: 8268383 WP8268383 AP5983779 W10083957 W10083957VP PS11722146.

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