One of the key differences between a standard top-load washing machine and a high-efficiency (or “HE”) top-loader may be the standard model will have an agitator whereas the HE model will substitute an impeller (also commonly-referred to as a “wash plate”). Both the agitator and the impeller will shift the laundry back-and-forth and up-and-down within the tub to assist with the cleaning process.
How does an agitator work?
The agitation cycle begins once the standard top-load washer's control board sends voltage towards the drive motor after the tub has filled with water. Depending on the model, the motor may directly drive a transmission or use a belt to operate the agitator drive shaft. The drive shaft oscillates the agitator to circulate the water and move the clothing, towels, or linens round the tub.
Some models utilize a two-part agitator. Directional cogs (commonly-referred to as “dog ears”) cause the upper portion of the agitator to rotate in one direction only, forcing the laundry towards the bottom of the tub. The lower part of the agitator will then force the laundry support.
Uninstalling a top-load washer agitator
With repeated use, the agitator or its components can eventually need replacing, requiring replacement. While the details of removing an agitator can differ from model-to-model, the fundamental steps are similar:
- Before you begin, make sure to unplug the washing machine's power cord.
- Raise the washer's lid and, if applicable, take away the agitator cap (you can often use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the cap off), or detach the material softener dispenser from the agitator. You may need to pull a lock ring up with your fingers before you can remove the dispenser (fabric softener dispensers are commonly-found on Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Frigidaire top-load washer models).
- On models having a dispenser, there may be an agitator cap underneath the dispenser that will need to be removed too.
- Depending on the model, you may need to pull out a dust cap which rests just within the top of the agitator.
- Secure the agitator base and, if applicable for your model, use a long socket wrench to unthread the mounting bolt securing the agitator to the drive shaft. Most commonly, a 7/16th inch socket or perhaps a half-inch socket will be needed to unthread the bolt. Using the bolt sufficiently loosened, you are able to pull the agitator straight up to remove.
- Alternatively, on some models where the agitator has an upper and lower section, you may want to use a square drive bit to unthread a retainer that will permit you to pull the upper area of the agitator off first. You can then make use of a socket wrench to unthread the bolt to be able to remove the lower portion.
- If you have to replace the directional cogs, first take away the retainer and spring as well as the cam and cog assembly. When the agitator was removed with the lower and upper portions still joined together, you can set the agitator on the floor, place both your feet on the base, and pull top of the portion of the agitator off.
- Release the retaining ring and take away the old directional cogs from the cam.
- Insert the 4 new directional cogs into the cam and then press the retaining ring right down to secure.
- If applicable to your model, realign top of the agitator on the installed lower agitator then insert the cam and cog assembly. Insert the retainer and spring in to the cam and use the square drive bit to tighten.
- Alternatively, you may need to insert the cam and cog assembly in to the upper portion of the agitator then snap top of the portion onto the lower section.
- Align the agitator assembly on the drive shaft.
- Thread and tighten the bolt to secure.
- Replace the dust cap, if required.
- Snap on the agitator cap.
- If applicable, reinstall the fabric softener dispenser on the agitator and secure it with the lock ring if required.
- Plug the ability cord back in and your washing machine should be ready for use.
Why won't my washer's agitator agitate?
- The cog and cam components inside the agitator can wear out over time which will prevent the agitator from working.
- The lower and upper portions of the agitator itself could possibly strip. You can replace the defective section or replace both sections included in an assembly.
- On washers having a transmission, the drive block connecting the transmission to the drive shaft may be worn out.
- On some models, a drive coupler which connects the motor towards the transmission can break after repeated use or maybe the tub is overloaded.
- If the washer uses a belt to rotate the agitator, the belt might be slipping on the pulleys or may have broken.
- Although it's not a common cause, the drive motor itself may have failed.
Find the right washing machine agitator with Repair Clinic
Repair Clinic stocks one-piece agitators, separate lower and upper agitator parts, agitator repair kits, individual directional cogs, drive blocks, agitator caps, fabric softener dispensers, and more. Just enter the full model no . of your washer in the Repair Clinic search bar, then choose “Agitator” from the part category filter followed by the appropriate part title to obtain the exact part you need. Repair Clinic stocks agitator components for all the major brands of washers including Kenmore, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, Maytag, GE, and Whirlpool, but you will want to make sure you're purchasing the part that's a direct fit for your model.
