Things don't just happen in three's. Things just happen. And when they happen unexpectedly with our guard down, they disturb us more than if we anticipated their occurence. Our dishwasher started making strange grinding noises and sipping noises a couple wash cycles ago. The grinding noises were so pronounced during the last wash that I've decided to take action. While searching online, I found that
many dishwashers made by Whirlpool use the same motor housing which allows
moisture to corrode the ball bearings. The motor assembly is not serviceable by an untrained person and can be purchased for approximately $150 online but is a dangerous repair due to the unfinished stainless steel.
As luck would have it, we purchased a 5 year $180 Master Protection Agreement back in 2006. So tonight I made a painfree call to the service center. I think I'll be buying a plan for everything over $300 from now on.