How To Remove And Replace A Two-Piece Agitator In A Washing Machine That Isn't Disturbing

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The agitator inside a washing machine is the part that spins and tosses around, or disturbs, the clothing and water. Agitation is necessary to make sure the clothes are thoroughly washed and to help remove the excess water once the washing is complete. Problems with the agitator can cause your unit to shake frequently, leave you with partly dirty clothes, or leave excess moisture in your wash loads.

Replacing an agitator is easy even if your unit has one of the slightly more complicated two-piece agitators. You will simply have a couple of more parts to remove than those who own a machine with a one-piece agitator.

Things You Need:

  • Screwdriver
  • Socket wrench
  • New agitator assembly parts

Step 1: Remove the Old Agitator Assembly

Open your washing machine lid to access the agitator assembly.

Locate the dispenser on top of the agitator assembly inside the tub. Press on the securing ring around the base of the dispenser then pull up to release the dispenser. Remove the dispenser from the washing machine and set aside. Use the end of the screwdriver to remove the end of the agitator cap still inside the tub. If there is a dust cap inside the agitator, remove the cap and set it aside.  

Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt and washer that secures the agitator base to the bottom of the washing machine tub. Lift the agitator base up off of its supporting prong. Remove the agitator base out of the washer tub and dispose of all the old agitator parts except the fasteners, if you need to reuse the bolt and screws.

Step 2: Install the New Agitator Assembly

Slide the new agitator base over the prong at the bottom of the tub. Use the socket wrench to attach its bolt and make sure the bolt is fully tightened. Place the dust cap inside the agitator base, if necessary.

Place the agitator cap over the opening and use a screwdriver to tighten the cap into place. Press the dispenser into place over the cap and use your hand to slide down its fastening ring until snapped into place and secured.

Conduct a test run of the washing machine with a light load of clothing. If the washing machine agitates properly, the problem is solved and you're done with the project. If the unit still refuses to agitate or there is too much agitation, there's another problem happening in the machine. Call in an appliance repair service for diagnostics and parts replacement.

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9 May 2016