Agitator Dogs The original set of 4 dogs in my Whirlpool washer lasted 5 years. Since then, I have had to replace the dogs about every year due to agitator slippage. We are not loading the washing machine any heavy now than we did during the first 5 years (machine is now about 7 years old now) so I can't figure out why the new sets of dogs are not lasting longer. Could premature wear out be a symptom of something else? My theory is that the replacement dogs are not as good as the originals from the standpoint of material construction and depth of the teeth.

These agitators have a set of 4 dogs. Overtime these dogs simply disintegrate.


Factory part number 80040.
Older models are a bit tougher to deal with than newer models.
How to video:
My page on these washers

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/dan_73bbd84fe1d95b61

Your agitator dogs are worn out. Remove the agitator and seperate the upper section from the lower section. There are 4 small teardrop shaped pieces that are the agitator dogs. They have either come apart over time or at least the teeth have worn off them.
Post back with any questions. Please verify the model number. I couldn't pull up a parts list for it. I know the last digit should be a 0 (zero) instead of an o.
Thanks/Mike

Direct drive Whirlpool washing machines use a two piece agitator. In-between the two pieces there are cogs, sometimes referred to as "dogs," which will wear out. When the dogs start to wear, you will notice a clicking sound and the top agitator will not move as it should. When you learn how to replace the agitator dogs on a Whirlpool washing machine, you can have your Whirlpool working correctly again. Agitator dogs are available at appliance repair facilities.

* 1

Disconnect the Whirlpool washer from the wall outlet. Open the washer lid to access the agitator.

* 2

Insert a flathead screwdriver in the notch in the agitator cap. Twist the screwdriver to pop the agitator cap off of the agitator. If your model has an inner cap, remove the inner cap by pulling up on the handle and removing it from the agitator.

* 3

Use a socket wrench to remove the bolt in the center of the agitator. Most Whirlpool washers use a 7/16-inch bolt to secure the agitator.

* 4

Grab the bottom of the agitator with both hands and pull it straight up out of the wash tub. Do not have your face directly over the agitator. If it is stuck or pops up too quickly you could injure yourself.

* 5

Set the agitator on the floor and carefully place your feet on each side of the agitator. Grasp the top of the agitator and pull the top half of the agitator off of the bottom half. Turn the top half over to access the dogs.

* 6

Use needle nose pliers to pull the dogs out of the agitator. Install the replacement dogs into the agitator according to the specifications given the manufacturer.

* 7

Set the top half of the agitator back on to the bottom half. Make sure to align the two tabs together between the halves so that they will friction fit. Grab the bottom of the agitator and apply a thin coat of dishwashing detergent on the rubber gasket on the bottom using your finger.

* 8

Set the agitator back into the wash tub and secure it using the retaining bolt. If your model had an inner cap, set the inner cap back into the agitator until it snaps into place.

* 9

Place the top of the agitator into place and press down until it locks into place.

If you are referring to the AGITATOR, Whirlpool manufactured washers (such as Kenmore), use 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.

Since you mentioned that the agitator appeared to be working, this problem may be 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 replace them:

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

The part number is 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 have any 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.

Washer has trouble agitating... Check the agitator dogs inside the top of the agitator, they are bad for wearing out, sometimes the agitator may only agitate one way when the dogs are worn out. This is an instruction sheet that came with the last parts I ordered for a Whirlpool/Inglis style direct drive washer agitator. If you need to replace your agitator dogs, please see this link for some repair aid.


Replace the dogs its a easy fix for you

how old is the machine? agitator dogs in agitators have only been used for the past 15 or so years. sounds like you need to take the agitator out and replace the 4 dogs in the top of the agitator. not a costly repair.

Hi, This agitator is a 2 piece agitator. Can you see if the lower half on the agitator is working properly? If the lower part is working and the top is not, you will need to change the agitator dogs. If neither half are working, you might be having transmission issues.
To change the dog kit, re,ove the top cap on the agitator and locate a 7/16" bolt. Remove the bolt and the agitator will lift out. Pull the agitator apart and the dogs are 4 small plastic pieces inside the top half of the agitator.
Please let me know if this helps you or if I can assist you further.

Thanks
Vic

Hi, Just replace the dogs. Once you remove the 7/16" bolt, the agitator will seperate.
The dogs are the same part# on all models.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Vic

You must replace the agitator dogs. Pop the top cover of the agitator to access the 4 defective parts. They are pear shaped.
Tools required.