How to Fix a Washing Machine Agitator

There's never a good time for the washer to stop working correctly. If a washing machine's agitator isn't working properly, your clothes won't come clean. The back-and-forth movement of the agitator is a main function in the cleaning process of your laundry. If your agitator isn't working, it could be the agitator itself or broken splines in the assembly beneath the agitator. Either one is a relatively easy and inexpensive repair that you should be able to do yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench
• Rope
• Broom
• Replacement parts

Instructions

1. Inspect the agitator for breaks. If the agitator is broken or cracked, you'll need to replace it. A broken agitator won't operate correctly, if at all. If the agitator looks fine but isn't moving, you'll need to inspect the plastic splines in the agitator assembly located underneath the agitator.

2. Remove the agitator from the washing machine by first removing the fabric softener dispenser cap on top of it. This cap should either pull or screw off. It it's difficult to remove, you might have to pry it off.

3. Unscrew the bolt beneath the softener cap with a socket wrench. Once you've removed the screw, try lifting the agitator out of the washer. If it doesn't easily lift out, loop a rope underneath one side of the agitator and over a broom handle. Continue looping the rope under the other side of the agitator and back over the broom. Using caution not to hit yourself in the head, pull up on the broom until the agitator comes loose.

4. Replace the broken agitator with a new one. Snap the new one in place and secure the bolt underneath the fabric softener cap. Place the cap back on the agitator and you're ready to start washing.

5. 

   Check the plastic splines in the assembly directly underneath the agitator, if the agitator itself isn't broken. If the plastic splines are broken or worn down, this will keep the agitator from properly moving. In fact, it might not move at all. Replace the spline assembly with a new one and reassemble the agitator by reversing your steps to remove it.

Tips & Warnings

• When pulling out the agitator, be careful not to hurt yourself or damage the inside of the washer's tub. Some agitators may take a bit of force to remove them.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish