Laundry day can quickly go off track when your washing machine stops working properly. A faulty agitator is often to blame, but you don’t need to call a repair service right away. With an agitator repair kit and a few simple tools, you can restore your washer’s performance and get back to clean clothes fast.
Why Agitator Parts Matter
Your washing machine depends on a series of small parts that work together to clean your laundry. Even one worn seal or plastic tooth can affect how well the agitator spins and moves the clothes.
The agitator relies on components such as plastic dogs, cams, and seals to stay balanced and rotate correctly. Over time, these parts wear down and cause problems with the wash cycle.
Signs of Agitator Problems
Watch for these common indicators that your agitator parts may need replacing:
- Agitator not spinning or skipping: The agitator dogs may be worn, or the cam that holds them could be damaged.
- Grinding or ratcheting noise: This often points to worn agitator dogs.
- Agitator spinning too freely: If it moves easily by hand in a clockwise direction, the dogs likely need replacement.
- Unbalanced or noisy washer: A clicking or ticking sound combined with slow agitation can mean the thrust washer is worn and no longer allowing smooth motion.
- Clothes not cleaned evenly: Damaged agitator components can cause uneven movement, leaving some garments still dirty.
- Visible wear or cracks: Any visible damage inside the agitator indicates it’s time for replacement parts.
These issues are usually easy to fix with a standard agitator repair kit.
What You’ll Learn to Replace
This guide explains how to replace several small components inside your washing machine’s agitator, including:
- The cam assembly
- The dust cap seal
- The thrust washer
All of these parts are available in a compatible agitator repair kit.
Tools You’ll Need
Gather these tools before getting started:
- A compatible agitator repair kit or individual replacement parts
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 7/16-inch socket
- Ratchet with a 10-inch extension
- Agitator grease (especially when replacing the thrust washer)
- Work gloves for safety
With your tools ready and parts on hand, you can take apart the agitator, replace the worn pieces, and restore your washer to full working order.
How to Repair a Washer Agitator
Below are the steps to repair a top-loading direct drive washer agitator, such as those made by Whirlpool, Kenmore, or Roper.
Preparation
- Disconnect the washer from its power source at the wall outlet or circuit breaker.
- Drain and dry the washer tub completely.
Assemble the Cam
- Insert the four agitator dogs into the clear plastic cam, angling them with the curve of the cam.
- Place the spacer on the cam and press down until it snaps securely into place.
Remove the Agitator Components
- Open the washer lid and remove the fabric softener dispenser cap from the agitator by hand.
- If the dispenser is stuck, pull up on the lock ring to release it.
- If your model has only a cap instead of a dispenser, pry it off gently with a flathead screwdriver.
- Remove the flat plastic dust cap from the agitator shaft.
- Check the rubber seal on the dust cap and replace it if it appears damaged.
Remove the Agitator
- Use a 7/16-inch socket, ratchet, and extension to loosen and remove the bolt holding the agitator in place.
- Hold the lower part of the agitator steady while loosening the bolt to prevent it from turning.
- Lift the agitator out of the washer tub.
Separate and Replace Internal Parts
- Set the agitator upright on the floor and step on the base to brace it.
- Pull up on the upper half of the agitator to separate it from the lower half.
- Tip the upper agitator upside down and remove the old cam assembly and bolt.
- Move the lower agitator to a comfortable surface and remove the old thrust washer.
- Install the new thrust washer, making sure the flared side faces correctly.
- Apply a small amount of grease to the top of the new thrust washer.
- Return the lower agitator to the floor.
Install the New Cam
- Drop the new cam assembly into the upper agitator shaft and make sure it is properly seated.
- Lower the upper agitator onto the lower agitator, aligning the cam’s locking tabs.
- Press down firmly to lock the two halves together.
- Confirm that the upper agitator turns freely.
Reinstall the Agitator
- Place the agitator back into the washer.
- Reinstall and tighten the bolt using the 7/16-inch socket, ratchet, and extension.
- Hold the lower agitator steady while tightening the bolt.
Finish Assembly
- Slide the dust cap back into place.
- Replace the rubber seal if it appears worn or damaged.
- Apply a drop of liquid detergent to the seal to help it slide into place easily.
- Reinstall the cap or fabric softener dispenser on top of the agitator.
Final Check
- Reconnect the washer to its power source.
- Run a short cycle to test that the agitator operates correctly.
Maintenance Tips for Longer Agitator Life
Once your agitator is back in working condition, regular upkeep will help it last longer. Keep your washer running smoothly with these habits:
- Avoid overloading: Too much laundry puts strain on the agitator and wears out the dogs faster.
- Use the right detergent: High-efficiency detergent prevents residue buildup that can affect movement.
- Clean the agitator regularly: Remove lint, fabric softener residue, and detergent buildup from the fins and cap.
- Inspect monthly: Check for looseness or excessive movement in the agitator.
- Tighten bolts as needed: Loose fasteners can cause unbalanced spinning and wear out internal parts faster.
- Keep the washer level: A wobbly machine adds stress to the agitator shaft.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
Sometimes replacing the agitator or the entire washer is a better choice. Consider replacement if:
- The agitator shaft is cracked or bent.
- Multiple cycles still malfunction after replacing internal parts.
- The washer is more than 10–12 years old and has frequent issues.
- You notice leaks or rust in the drum area.
- The cost of repair parts adds up to nearly half the price of a new machine.
Upgrading to a new model may offer better efficiency, quieter operation, and energy savings in the long run.
What’s Next?
A quiet, steady agitator makes all the difference on laundry day. Once you’ve replaced those worn parts and given your washer a quick test run, you’ll have it spinning like new again. Most repairs only take a short time and save you from the cost of a service call.
Keep an eye on how your washer sounds and moves during each cycle. A little attention now can prevent bigger problems later. With a few tools, a good repair kit, and a bit of care, your washing machine can keep your clothes fresh and clean for years to come.