How to Replace Washer Dogs on a Whirlpool Washer

The agitator on a Whirlpool washer operates using washer "dogs" between the top half and lower half of the agitator. When the washer dogs wear out, the agitator will not agitate the clothes in the washer correctly. Rather than spending a large amount of money on a repair bill, you can replace washer dog on your Whirlpool washer. The washer dog kit is available at appliance repair facilities. The kits will have some instruction on the installation process so that you can install the parts like a professional and have your washer working again.

Things You'll Need

• Washer dog kit
• Small flat-head screwdriver
• Socket wrench set with extensions.

Instructions

1. Unplug the Whirlpool washer power cord from the wall outlet. Open the lid on the washer.

2. Pull the cap off of the top of the agitator with your hands. If necessary, there is a small slot between the cap and the agitator in which you can insert the blade of a small flat-head screwdriver. Twist the handle of the screwdriver and the cap will pop off of the agitator.

3. Look inside the agitator and pull up on the plastic handle that attaches to the debris cap. Pull the debris cap completely out of the agitator. The debris cap has a rubber o-ring that connects around the perimeter of the cap. If the o-ring disengages from the cap, simply place the o-ring back over the outside perimeter of the cap.

4. Remove the hex head bolt inside the center of the agitator that secures the agitator to the tub with a socket wrench. You will need to use an extension on your socket wrench to reach the head of the bolt. Lift the bottom of the agitator off of the inside drum and pull the agitator out of the washer.

5. Set the agitator on the floor and place your feet around the outside edge of the bottom. Twist and pull the top half of the agitator off of the bottom half. Remove the four agitator washer dogs and the washer dog cam from the agitator halves. The washer dogs will be in either half as well as the cam that the dogs connect into.

6. Insert the new washer dogs into the new cam. The washer dogs have "ears" that resemble a teardrop. The cam has slots around the sides that the dog "ears" fit. Set the cam and washer dog assembly into the top of the bottom half of the agitator. Place the top half of the agitator over the bottom half and push down and twist to lock the halves together.

7. Set the agitator back into the Whirlpool washer tub and press the agitator down until it seats in the bottom. Secure the agitator to the tub using the retaining bolt.

8. Push the debris cap back into the center of the agitator until it seats in its position. Replace the agitator cap and press down on the top of the cap until it locks into place. Close the washer lid and plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply a small film of dish soap to the rubber o-ring on the debris cap to help slide it back into the agitator.

• Always disconnect power supply from appliances before attempting repairs.

References

• Partselect.com: Whirlpool Washer Dogs
• Davesrepair.com: Replacing Washer Dogs