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If the problem is just the agitator not working, but everything else does, you may just have a worn agitator cam assembly, worn agitator dogs, loose agitator bolt, or all of the above. The following link explains what agitator dogs are and how to access them:
Whirlpool manufactured washers (such as Kenmore) use a split agitator design. The top half is known as the "auger, while the lower half is the agitator. Between the two pieces is a cam assembly, with small teflon teeth known as "dogs". There's also an agitator bolt that holds the entire assembly to the center post.
If the auger (top half of the agitator) is slipping, I would suspect the dogs or cam assembly need to be replaced. The part number for the dogs is included in the link I provided. For a little more you can purchase the entire cam assembly which includes the dogs, the cam, the cam seal and thrust bearing.
If the entire agitator appears loose or slipping, check the agitator bolt to ensure it is tight. DO NOT overtighten as this can restrict movement of the agitator or damage it. Tighten until snug.
Replacement parts (if required) can be purchased at any of the following websites:
All these sites are reputable and offer great service with competitive pricing, so shop and compare. The first three sites I listed also include helpful exploded view parts diagrams to assist you in locating and properly identifying the parts you need. If you do not wish to order parts on line, use the part numbers from the Sears website and go to your nearest appliance parts retailer. These parts are commonly sold as part of their in-store inventory.
NOTE: Other causes can include a broken motor coupling, bad gearcase (transmission), or worn clutch assembly. It does not sound like the problem is associated with any of these components however.
If the motor coupling were bad, the washer would not spin at all (whether you held the agitator or not), but would still have the ability to drain.
If the gearcase (transmission) were bad, the washer would either not spin, or may spin with assistance (meaning, if you gave the drum a spin by hand to get it started).
If the clutch were bad, the symptoms would be similiar to that of the gearcase and the tub would probably also have problems stopping.
This problem sounds like it may only be associated with an agitator that could be loose, causing an off balance tub. Read through the information provided and let me know if you have any questions. I hope this is helpful to you.
if the basket has excess movement separate from the agitator or tub then the hub nut may be loose or maybe the tub rusted out and broke. you will need to pop the top of the agitator off and remove bolt holding it to shaft, pull agitator out and look at hub nut.
The tub is supposed to be locked untill the brake is released. When the machine is in the wash mode the tub is locked or else the clothes would all get knotted up. When the motor reverses the brake is released and the tub can turn freely. Check the pump for bad bearing.
If this is a frigidaire, when the washer has a load in it, as the agitator agitates the tub should move about 1/8 of a turn. Meaning that for 8 agitations the tub should make 1 revolution. We call this indexing in the appliance repair world. If the tub is making 1 revolution in 4 agatations or 1 revolution in 1 agitation, the transmission is bad. This should have a 5 year warranty if purchased before 2006. You will also need a tub seal. Hope this helps
Have you checked the agitator? There may be sharp edges on the agitator blades. OR the towels may be getting stuck under the agitator and tub bottom. The agitator is supposed to suck the clothing down in the center and forcibly throw the clothing outwards against the tub. The cycle then repeats.
The inside tub moves on the spin stage only and cause the water, by
a centrifugal force, to be forced out of the clothes.
During the wash cycle,the tub is stationary and the agitator moves forth and back.
If you would like to remove the agitator - Remove the inner agitator cap (inside the top of the agitator) and then open the screw (be aware not to lose parts !)
Good luck !
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