Bosch SHPM65Z55N (800 Series) – Spray arm clogged/broken Repair Guide

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Model: Bosch SHPM65Z55N (800 Series)
Brand: Bosch
Model Number: SHPM65Z55N

🔍 Problem Description

Remove and clean spray arms; check for bearing wear; replace if cracked

📋 What You’ll Need

  • Spray arms
  • Cleaning tools

    • 🔧 Step-by-Step Repair Instructions

      🔧 Step 1: Remove spray arms from dishwasher

      1. Open the dishwasher door fully until it rests in the horizontal position.
      2. Pull out the lower dish rack completely and set it aside on your countertop or floor.
      3. Locate the lower spray arm at the bottom center of the tub, approximately 2 inches above the filter assembly.
      4. Grasp the spray arm with both hands, one on each side of the center hub.
      5. Turn the entire spray arm counterclockwise (when viewed from above) approximately one-quarter turn until it stops.
      6. Lift the spray arm straight up off the mounting post—it will come free with approximately 1 inch of vertical travel.
      7. Set the lower spray arm aside.
      8. Pull out the upper dish rack to its fullest extension.
      9. Locate the upper spray arm attached to the underside of the upper rack, centered beneath the rack bottom.
      10. Identify the white plastic locking tab on the spray arm hub—this tab is located on one side of the circular mount and extends outward approximately 0.5 inches.
      11. Push the locking tab inward toward the center of the spray arm hub while simultaneously turning the spray arm counterclockwise one-quarter turn.
      12. Once rotated, pull the spray arm downward away from the rack mounting bracket—it will release with firm downward pressure.
      13. Set the upper spray arm aside.
      14. Locate the middle spray arm on the underside of the upper rack, positioned in the rear section approximately 8 inches from the back wall of the tub.
      15. Grasp the middle spray arm hub and turn counterclockwise one-quarter turn.
      16. Pull downward to release the spray arm from its mounting bracket.

      🛠️ Step 2: Inspect for cracks or damage

      1. Position a bright LED flashlight or work light at a 45-degree angle to the door gasket surface to cast shadows that reveal hairline cracks.
      2. Start at the top left corner of the door gasket and run your finger along the entire perimeter, applying light pressure (approximately 1-2 pounds of force) to feel for any splits, tears, or soft spots that indicate deterioration.
      3. Examine the four corner sections where the gasket makes 90-degree bends—these areas develop cracks first. Look for dark lines, splits longer than 1/8 inch, or separation where the gasket pulls away from its channel.
      4. Check the bottom section of the gasket between 2-8 inches from each corner for mold, mildew, or white calcium deposits that indicate water pooling and potential seal failure.
      5. Inspect the magnetic strip running inside the gasket by holding a dollar bill against the door frame, closing the door on it, and pulling gently. The bill should resist with moderate tension at all points. Mark any locations where the bill slides out easily with a piece of painter’s tape on the outer door panel.
      6. Look at the tub gasket (the lower seal surrounding the tub opening) at the bottom front of the dishwasher cavity. Shine your flashlight underneath and check for tears, especially in the center front section where the spray arm creates the most water pressure.
      7. Examine the sump area at the very bottom center of the tub for visible cracks in the plastic housing or separation at seams—this appears as hairline black or white lines in the gray or white plastic.
      8. Inspect the spray arm mounting hub in the tub bottom center for cracks radiating outward from the center post, which appear as spoke-like lines.
      9. Check the door inner panel for any warping by sighting along the edge from corner to corner—the surface should appear flat without waves or bowing.

      ⚙️ Step 3: Clean all spray arm holes with toothpick

      1. Lay the lower spray arm flat on a towel with the spray holes facing up.
      2. Count the spray holes – you’ll find 24 small circular holes arranged in two rows along the underside of each arm.
      3. Insert a wooden toothpick straight into each hole, pushing until you feel it reach the interior wall (approximately 0.5 inches deep).
      4. Twist the toothpick clockwise 3-4 rotations while keeping it inserted to dislodge food particles, mineral deposits, and debris.
      5. Remove the toothpick and check its tip for white calcium buildup, gray food residue, or clear gel-like detergent buildup.
      6. Repeat this cleaning motion in all 24 holes on the lower spray arm.
      7. Position the mid-level spray arm with spray holes facing toward you.
      8. Locate the 16 spray holes – 8 holes on top and 8 holes on the bottom surface.
      9. Use the same toothpick insertion technique: push straight in 0.5 inches, twist clockwise 3-4 times, and remove.
      10. Clean all 16 holes using this method.
      11. Flip the upper spray arm over to access the spray holes on its underside.
      12. Identify the 12 spray holes arranged in a single row along the arm’s length.
      13. Insert toothpick into each hole using the same 0.5-inch depth, twist clockwise 3-4 rotations, and remove.
      14. Clean all 12 holes completely.
      15. Hold each spray arm up to a light source and look through each hole – you should see clear light passing through without obstruction.
      16. Run your finger across each hole opening – the surface should feel smooth without raised deposits.

      🔩 Step 4: Check spray arm bearings for wear

      1. Grip the lower spray arm hub (the white cylindrical center piece, approximately 2 inches in diameter) and attempt to rock it side-to-side while keeping the spray arm attached.
      2. Observe the movement – acceptable play is less than 1/16 inch in any direction; more than 1/8 inch indicates bearing wear requiring replacement.
      3. Rotate the spray arm 360 degrees by hand – it should spin freely with smooth, consistent resistance and complete 2-3 full rotations from a single push.
      4. Examine the bearing hub where the spray arm connects to the sump (the raised circular mount at the center bottom of the tub) – look for white or gray plastic shavings, grooves, or rough patches indicating wear.
      5. Run your finger around the inside of the spray arm mounting hole – you should feel smooth plastic; any ridges, bumps, or gritty texture means the bearing surface is degraded.
      6. Pull down on the upper spray arm assembly to expose the bearing connection point where it attaches to the supply tube (the vertical water feed pipe, approximately 8 inches from the tub bottom).
      7. Check for up-and-down play by lifting and lowering the spray arm on its mount – movement exceeding 1/8 inch indicates worn bearing surfaces.
      8. Spin the upper spray arm – it should rotate smoothly without wobbling or binding; grinding sounds or jerky movement means bearing replacement is needed.
      9. Inspect the mounting hub collar (the gray plastic sleeve where the arm connects) for cracks, chips, or visible wear marks – replace if you see white stress lines or fractured areas.

      đź“‹ Step 5: Replace spray arms if cracked or bearings are worn

      1. Grasp the lower spray arm located at the bottom center of the tub, directly above the filter assembly.
      2. Rotate the spray arm counterclockwise one-quarter turn (90 degrees) while pulling upward to disengage it from the mounting hub.
      3. Lift the spray arm straight up and off the water supply hub, which is a white plastic post approximately 2 inches tall.
      4. Inspect the mounting hub bearing – the circular opening at the spray arm’s center should spin smoothly without grinding or catching.
      5. Align the new lower spray arm (part number 00688076) over the hub with the flat alignment tab at 12 o’clock position.
      6. Push down firmly until the spray arm seats completely flush against the hub base, then rotate clockwise one-quarter turn until it locks with an audible click.
      7. Spin the spray arm by hand – it should rotate freely 360 degrees without wobbling more than 1/8 inch vertically.
      8. Pull out the upper dish rack completely from the dishwasher.
      9. Locate the upper spray arm mounted to the underside of the upper rack, centered beneath the rack bottom.
      10. Turn the gray locking nut at the spray arm’s center counterclockwise using hand pressure only until it releases (approximately 2-3 full rotations).
      11. Pull the spray arm downward away from the water supply pipe extending from the rack underside.
      12. Position the new upper spray arm (part number 00642239) onto the water supply pipe, aligning the rectangular opening at the arm’s center.
      13. Thread the gray locking nut clockwise by hand until finger-tight, then rotate an additional one-quarter turn.
      14. Verify the spray arm rotates freely in complete circles without resistance or contacting the rack tines.
      15. Slide the upper rack back into the dishwasher until it clicks into the mounting rails.

      đź›’ Recommended Products

      Here are the recommended products for this repair: