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.
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.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your washers
Choose a symptom to see related washer repairs.
Main causes: clogged drain hose, house drain clogged, bad drain pump, water-level pressure switch failure, bad control b…
Main causes: worn agitator dogs, bad clutch, broken motor coupler, shifter assembly failure, broken door lock, suspensio…
Main causes: bad lid switch or door lock, bad timer or electronic control board, wiring failure, bad water inlet valve a…
Main causes: broken lid switch or lid lock, bad pressure switch, broken shifter assembly, faulty control system…
Main causes: unbalanced load, loose spanner nut, worn drive block, broken shock absorber or suspension spring, debris in…
Main causes: no water supply, bad water valves, water-level pressure switch failure, control system failure, bad door lo…
Main causes: lack of electrical power, wiring failure, bad power cord, electronic control board failure, bad user interf…
Main causes: leaky water inlet valve, faulty water-level pressure switch, bad electronic control board…
Main causes: water heater failure, bad water temperature switch, faulty control board, bad water valve, faulty water tem…
Repair guides for top-load washers
How to replace the shifter assembly in a top-load washer
The shifter motor switches the washer's drive motor between the agitate and spin modes. If your washer's basket won't bu…
How to replace the electronic control board on a top-load washer
The electronic control board is a major component that orchestrates the washer's functions. These instructions explain h…
How to replace the drive motor in a top-load washer
The drive motor creates the rotation that turns the spin basket and agitator. If those components won't budge, replace t…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your washers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your washer.
Find tips for using your washing machine efficiently to save energy and help reduce utility bills.…
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…