Kenmore Series 70 top load barely agitates....

I own same washer. 70 series. agitator is flat on top. didn't move clothes around at all. The agitator dogs wore out(tiny grooves like a rachet on teardrop shaped parts 4) needed agitator cam assembly. that's inside top of agitator. $22.76 part. easy job. Top of agitator comes off like a hub cap (tiny opening for small screwdriver on edge to open) then a 1/2" square drive (ratchet extension) to unscrew center plastic. Hold agitator in place with screwdriver along side extension and into groove on top. note: keep centered from 2 side grooves of agitator or it won't turn. lot of unscrewing, when done top comes right off, that piece your holding is the part. Those 4 little fingers to flop out are worn. Hope this helps.

This assumes that you have a basic Kenmore / Whirlpool top load, direct drive, neutral drain (it doesn't spin until the pump removes most of the water) machine.

First, see the Sears parts site for your washer:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action

Enter your model number and you'll see a list of major sub-components with diagrams and parts.

Three places to look.

1. Assuming that this washer has a two piece agitator, I'd check the "agitator dogs" on the top section.

2. It's possible that the splines on the agitator have worn over time.

See the following description of how to remove the agitator.

Look inside the agitator at the splines.

3. It's also possible that the splines on the agitator shaft have worn.

With the agitator off, check the condition of the splines. If they are worn, the options are to replace the agitator shaft (disassembling the transmission) or replacing the transmission itself.