Agitator went loose. How to fix it

1 - Remove the Agitator
first step in fixing your agitator is to take the item out of the washing machine. This is not as easy as you might imagine, since the agitator is placed in there pretty firmly. One option is to fill the washing machine half-full of water, and then put a string rope around the neck of the agitator. Using a piece of wood or lumber, gently raise the agitator up, in a lever fashion
You can then inspect the insides of the agitator.
2 - Open Up the Agitator
Next you will have to open the agitator so that you can see inside. There should be a screw on the base of the agitator which can be removed using a screwdriver. There may also be a large bolt at the other side which can be manipulated using the wrench. Take these parts off, and the agitator should split in half.
3 - Fix the Problems
Once that is done, you will be able to see inside the mechanics of the agitator. There may be a loose wire somewhere within the system, or you may find that the screw part of the agitator has been broken. Check the paddles of the agitator paddles to make sure that they are not cracked or broken, as this can prevent it from turning. While you have the agitator out of the washing machine, you should also check the central pole on which it sits, in order to make sure that it is completely clean.
4 - finish the project
Before you finish the project you will have to replace the agitator. Replace the screws and the bolt, so that the agitator forms a complete piece again. Take the string, and lower it down the central pole. Your agitator should settle into the bottom, although you may wish to give it a push to check.

The wear is preventing it from tightening correctly, loctite won't be a long term fix, it will still come loose again due to the forces put on the bolt by the vibrations of the agitator. The only way to fix it is to replace the agitator.

If it's a whirlpool, most likely agitator dogs went bad.


Whirlpool washer repair in orange county, ca
appliance repair orange county, ca

You may have a worn agitator cam assembly, worn agitator dogs, or a loose agitator bolt.

Whirlpool uses a split agitator design. The upper portion is called the auger, while the bottom is called the agitator. Between these components is a agitator cam assembly. This problem is commonly caused by either worn agitator dogs, a worn agitator cam assembly, or a loose agitator bolt. The following link explains what the dogs are and how to access and/or replace them. It also explains how to access the bolt and tighten (if necessary):

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608577-replacing_agitator_dogs

The part number for the dogs are included in the link provided. You can purchase replacements at pcappliancerepair.com for about $5. For a little more you can purchase the entire cam replacement kit, which includes the cam, the thrust bearing, and the dogs for about $11 or $12.

NOTE: You can refer to the excellent exploded view parts diagrams the web site has to offer for assistance. Whirlpool also recommends the application of a little grease on the thrust washer. The part number for their recommended grease is AP3098553.

If you aren't sure, or have additional questions about this repair, please post back with your complete model number (located on a nameplate along the wash tub opening under the lid) and let me know. I hope this helps you.

NOTE: DO NOT overtighten the agitator bolt. This can cause damage to the plastic, or restrict the agitator movement. Tighten until snug only.

lift out the softener cup located on top of the agitator,there is a 7/16" nut bolted down into the agitator spline that may have come loose

Just fixed mine. You will need an agitator repair kit. It comes with cover seal, bolt seal ratchet pieces and thrust plate for the bottom of upper agitator. Remove fabric cup and cover underneath. Remove bolt and upper agitator. Simple fix. New parts have instructions to repair. Get the correct model number and buy it from an appliance parts place. Around $20.00 retail.

Try RepairClinic.com thats where i get all my parts

Check and see if it spins freely in both directions. If it does, this means that your "dogs" are worn out in the top agitator. This is an easy fix. You just get the new ones (usually 10$ or less), pull the top cover off the agitator, then pull the center cap off inside of the agitator. Then you just remove the center bolt and pull the whole top agitator off. You will see the 4 plastic dogs right on the top of the agitator.

This "MAY" be an easy fix,

I have seen the main bolt that fixes the agitator to the drive shaft come loose.

If you can imagine the agitator as a cone, the top point of the agitator is a cap that should pull or clip off. If so, using a long extention shaft and a socket set, you should be able to tighten up the bolt.

Good luck and post back results

this type of whirlpool washer has the water pump on the other end of the motor. if you are sure that you installed the drive coupling correctly then it is most likely something in the pump.
you can unhook the pump and run the washer and see if it works OK.
If it does then go get a new pump