Did the small cap on top of your washer’s agitator crack or pop off? Don’t sweat it. This is one of the simplest washer repairs you can handle yourself, with no special tools and no service call.
The Whirlpool washer wash plate cap (part W11050804) is small, but it protects the bolt that holds your wash plate in place. When it breaks, that exposed hardware can snag and tear your laundry. Good news: a new cap snaps right on in a few minutes.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- What the wash plate cap does and why it fails
- The tools you need before you start
- Simple safety steps to follow first
- How to remove the old cap and snap on the new one
What Is the Whirlpool Washer Wash Plate Cap?
The wash plate (some people call it the agitator) is the large, disk-shaped part on the floor of your washer’s tub. As the tub moves, the wash plate pushes your clothes through the water and detergent to get them clean.
On top of that wash plate sits a small plastic cover: the wash plate cap. It hides and protects the mounting bolt and the hardware underneath. Without it, that bolt sticks up and can catch on fabric during the wash cycle.
Over time, all that motion can make the plastic brittle, so the cap cracks. Zippers, buttons, and stray items can also chip pieces off. Once the cap is damaged or gone, replace it. Leaving the bolt exposed is an easy way to scratch or snag your favorite shirt.
What You’ll Need
- A replacement wash plate cap (part W11050804). Check that it matches your exact washer model before you install it.
- A flathead screwdriver
Note: Tools can vary a little by model. If you are not sure, check your owner’s manual for the exact parts and steps for your machine.
Safety First
A quick safety check keeps this easy job easy. Before you reach into the tub:
- Unplug the washer from the wall outlet. Never work on a washer that still has power.
- Keep the area dry to avoid any slips or shocks.
- Wear gloves if you want to protect your hands from sharp edges on the broken cap.
How to Replace the Wash Plate Cap on Your Washer
Ready? Follow these steps in order and you’ll be done before the next load.
- Unplug the washer. Pull the power cord from the outlet before you start.
- Open the lid and look inside the drum.
- Find the wash plate cap. It is the small cap or cover sitting on top of the wash plate or agitator.
- Pry up the old cap. Slip a flathead screwdriver under the edge and gently work your way around. Use light, even pressure so the cap pops up.
- Lift off the broken cap and clear away any loose pieces.
- Set the new cap in place on top of the wash plate.
- Press it down firmly until it snaps in and sits flush and level.
- Close the lid.
- Plug the washer back in.
- Run a short test cycle to confirm everything works and the new cap stays put.
Pro Tip: If the new cap will not snap down evenly, stop and double-check the part number. A cap built for a different model may look close but will never seat right.
Also Read: Washer Lid Hinge WP8563965 Replacement Guide
When to Look a Little Deeper
A loose or rattling wash plate is sometimes a sign of a bigger issue underneath. If your washer also struggles to spin, the belt may be the real culprit, and our guide on a worn washer drive belt walks you through it. And if you ever notice water levels acting up, here is how to prevent your washing machine from overfilling.
While the lid is open, it is a good time to check for other common wear. If your lid will not stay up, here is how to replace the lid hinge on a Whirlpool washer. And if water pools instead of draining, try these easy fixes for a Whirlpool washer that will not drain.
Wrapping Up
That’s it. A new wash plate cap is a quick, cheap fix that protects every load you wash. Here’s the short version:
- Unplug the washer and open the lid.
- Pry off the old cap with a flathead screwdriver.
- Snap the new cap on until it sits flush.
- Plug in and run a test cycle.
You just handled this one yourself and saved a service call. Nice work.