Our Kitchen Aid dishwasher recently started running very loud during many phases of the wash cycle. I also think it's not cleaning as well.

I've read some posts about checking the pump chopper for foreign objects. If that's recommended, can you give me some tips on how to remove the cover on the bottom assembly? Thanks in advance for the help!

Thanks for the reply. I think I understand what needs to be checked, however I'm not sure how to remove the lower spray arm. There is a circular piece in the middle of it (I can't find it on the parts diagram to give a name for it). Are you able to tell me if this needs to be removed to take off the spray arm piece, and if so, how? I tried turning it both ways, but it doesn't appear to affect the spray arm attachment.

Thanks so much for the help. I removed a big glob of liquid detergent from the accumulator assembly and quite a few plastic pieces and popcorn kernels from the area by the pump chopper. It seems to be cleaning better and the high pitched whining noise has stopped. It still seems a little louder than I remember but we've had the other problem so long I can't remember what is normal... Thanks again!

Unfortunately, when I tried to use a pliers to twist off the center assembly, it broke, and now I have nothing to grip with the pliers. Is there any other way to get the spray arm off?