How to Fix an Agitator for a Washer That Will Not Agitate

In top-load washers, the agitator is the finned pole coming up from the center of the machine. During the wash cycle, the agitator twists and turns, which helps to create movement to clean your laundry. If your washer isn’t performing the agitating action, inspecting the agitator itself is a reasonable first step. You should start by ensuring that small articles aren’t stuck in the agitator base. Then check for any physical damage to the part. If there is no visible damage, the below information can help you further inspect the agitator to determine if it’s the source of your issues.

What is an Agitator? Where is it Located?

The agitator is the column found in the center of your washing machine tub. In top-loading washing machines, it is responsible for moving the clothes through the water and detergent, and it is driven by the output shaft of the transmission. The transmission output shaft is splined, which means that the grooves in the shaft mate to the grooves in the agitator, so they fit tightly together. On some models, the agitator is in one piece and, in others, there are two pieces that provide a dual action.

General Location of the Agitator in a Washer

How to Tell if the Agitator is Damaged

You can tell if the spline is damaged when the bottom part of a dual-action agitator, or the whole of a single-action agitator, fails to move while the machine is on a wash cycle. The spline is worn down if the agitator can be turned with your hands around the shaft. Remember, it is designed to be locked into place. If the body of the agitator has become damaged, a visual inspection should reveal this problem.

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Agitator in a Washing Machine

1. Disconnect your washing machine from the power source.
2. Remove the fabric softener dispenser or top cover, depending on your model, in order to access the agitator. Attempt to manually turn the agitator. As it is splined, you should experience some resistance.
3. Remove the agitator from the appliance to inspect it more closely. Most agitators are held in place with a bolt that threads into the top of the transmission shaft. Some models use a small set screw in the barrel of the agitator just above the base to secure the agitator to the shaft, while some will use a rubber O-ring to provide a tight fit.
4. If your agitator is worn or damaged, particularly on the splines, or if you experience little to no resistance when turning it manually, you need a replacement agitator.

How to Install a New Agitator

1. Line up the base of the agitator with the shaft, and then press it down into place.
2. Then take the bolt and ratchet and reinstall the bolt.
3. Reattach the cap or fabric softener dispenser to the top of the agitator.

Next: Troubleshooting the Agitator Directional Cogs

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