July 01, 2013

How to replace the agitator dogs in a top-load washer

This DIY washer repair guide explains how to replace the agitator dogs in a top-load washer. The agitator dogs grip the teeth inside the agitator to create a one-way ratcheting motion in the upper part of the agitator. That one-way motion combines with the back-and-forth motion at the bottom of the agitator to move garments through the water during the agitate cycle. If the top part of the agitator moves in two directions, the agitator dogs have likely worn out. Replace the agitator dogs with a manufacturer-approved replacement part.

Use these steps to replace agitator dogs in Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Estate, Crosley, Roper and Amana top-load washers.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Socket wrench set

Socket extension

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Replacing the agitator dogs on a top-load washer

This video explains how to replace the agitator dogs on a top-load washer.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the electricity
Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
02.
Remove the agitator
Pull the fabric softener dispenser off of the top of the agitator.
Pull the dust cap out of the agitator.
Use a 7/16" socket with an extension to remove the agitator bolt.
Pull the agitator out of the washer and set it on a work surface.
Tip: If your agitator has a plastic spring retainer above the agitator bolt with a 1/2" square hole at the top, use a 1/2" ratchet drive extension and ratchet to remove the spring retainer.
PHOTO: Remove the fabric softener dispenser from the top of the agitator.
PHOTO: Remove the agitator dust cap.
PHOTO: Remove the bolt from the agitator.
PHOTO: Pull out the agitator.
03.
Remove the agitator dogs
Pull the top auger off of the agitator assembly.
Dump the agitator cam out of the top of the agitator auger.
Remove the plastic bearing from the cam. The plastic bearing holds the agitator dogs in place.
Pull the agitator dogs off of the cam.
PHOTO: Pull the top auger off the agitator.
PHOTO: Dump the cam out of the agitator.
PHOTO: Remove the plastic bearing from the agitator cam.
PHOTO: Remove the agitator dogs.
04.
Install the new agitator dogs
Push the new agitator dogs into the cam.
Reinstall the plastic bearing on the cam to hold the agitator dogs in place.
Push the cam back into the agitator auger.
Position the auger back onto the top of the agitator assembly.
PHOTO: Install the new agitator dogs.
05.
Reinstall the agitator
Push the agitator down on top of the agitator shaft.
Reinstall the 7/16" bolt and washer to secure the agitator to the agitator shaft.
Reinstall the dust cap.
Snap the fabric softener dispenser back on top of the agitator assembly.
PHOTO: Reinstall the agitator on the agitator shaft.
06.
Restore the power
Plug the washer into the electrical outlet.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

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