I HAVE A WHIRLPOOL WASHER WITH THE MODEL # LA5558XTNO AND THE UPPER AGITATOR IS NOT SPINNING. WHAT COULD THE PROBLEM BE?

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

You have bad agitator dogs . Easily replaceable and inexpensive . Remove the center bolt holding the agitator on and seperate the 2 agitator pieces . You will see 4 teardrop looking pieces ( dogs ) . Replace and your done .

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.

This appears to be two different problems:

1.
If the bottom agitates and not the top, the problem is likely the 4 "agitator dogs" designed to allow the top agitator to turn only one way.


Look at the section on the Sears site for Agitator, basket and tub.

See the part "Dog, agitator "

Remove the fabric softener unit, lift the top agitator cap (use a screwdriver) and you should see a plastic part in the center of the top agitator with a 1/2" square drive.

Remove the drive and lift off the top agitator. Turning it over you should see the 4 "dogs", replace these and the top agitator should turn in one direction only.

Replace the 1/2" drive, the cap and fabric softener unit and the top agitator should work.

Also see the following illustrated description of the above.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=136&osCsid=0da65cea0e338fe930b1fde153a243f0


2.

Vibration during spin:

If you look at the section on "Machine Base Parts" you'll see a number of springs and vibration pads.

It's possible that one or more of the springs or pads has come loose or broken.

In order to get to them you have to remove the cabinet.

Here is a description of how to do it.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=131&osCsid=90fdc122f6335c7c64f46f2ea1b1c887


Also see the Whirlpool Service Manual for top load washers. It has a troubleshooting section that describes the reasons for excessive walking or vibration.

WHIRLPOOL INST AND MAINTENANCE INCLUDING HOW TRANSMISSION WORKS

https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/f7e2147fa98b28cf85257122007475cb/$FILE/L-55.pdf


WHIRLPOOL TRANSMISSION DESCRIPTION AND SPRINGS

https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/2550f737b3129b0c85256b0600504738/$FILE/787772%20%234.pdf


If it's not the springs or pads, you may consider that the "Agitator Cams" in the transmission are not raising the Agitator Gear high enough (about 1/16" ) when the washer goes into spin mode.

See the description of what the Cams do in the Service Manual.

We had the same problem, excessive vibration and noise during the spin cycle.

In order to solve that problem, :

Assuming that you know how to remove the cabinet, agitator (you don't need to remove the tub), pump, motor and transmission the agitator cam and follower use the same whirlpool part number 62580/01. This is a plastic set used to raise the agitate gear on the shaft.

Pull the transmission.

Remove the clutch (the spring holding the clutch to the spin pinion is a bear to replace.

Remove the 8 transmission screws carefully, the transmission is full (15 oz.) of 80-90 weight oil.

Remove the transmission cover.

Pull off the spin pinion.

Push down on the agitate spring and remove the spring clip. Note where is attaches to the main shaft.

The two plastic agitate cam parts pull right off. Don't lose the washer on top of the cams.

Replace the cams, washer, spring and clip, pinion, oil (assuming you drained the oil first), cover and clutch parts.

Line up the transmission so that the release cam on the brake drum will snap onto the clutch spring retaining clip and put all parts back in the washer.

The basic tools are screwdriver, small socket set with up to a 1/2" socket, vice grips or good pliers (to remove and replace clips)

It sounds a bit complicated but it really isn't too bad and (For a $15 part, saved buying a $170 transmission.)

Following is the Whirlpool parts list for their commercial washers although the consumer models use the same part numbers.

http://shared.whirlpoolcorp.com/assets/pdfs/literature/Repair%20Part%20List%20-%20W10114743.pdf

you have to remove the cover inside the upper agitator first, then you will see a plastic cover inside the top. it has 2 raised handle type tabs to pull on, then remove the cover and under it you will find a 7/16 bolt to remove and that will allow you to pull the tophalf of the agitator and change the agitate" dogs "

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.

Some Whirlpool / Kenmore washers use a two piece agitator.

The lower piece will turn both left and right while the upper unit is designed to turn only one way.

The device that allows the upper unit to turn only one way are called "Agitator Dogs" small plastic pieces that can wear over time.

See the following for how to check and replace them if they are worn.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=136&osCsid=7bfb2504c9c31a483dd78b22ff7e405a

See the Sears parts site for the agitator. These are relatively inexpensive parts.

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.

Basic top load, direct drive Whirlpool / Kenmore washers with two piece agitators use "agitator dogs" to allow the top section of the agitator to turn in one direction only.

These are plastic pieces and over time can wear.

See the following for how to replace them.

http://www.american-appliance.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsPath=16&newsdesk_id=136&osCsid=71493d5cab3d7784ad8aa7cde8e5e5d4

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.

First, see the following Whirlpool Kenmore installation and service manual for top load, direct drive washers.

https://secured.whirlpool.com/Service/SrvTechAdm.nsf/2cd44500d572193285256a45004fd9d6/f7e2147fa98b28cf85257122007475cb/$FILE/L-55.pdf

If it drains and you can hear the motor trying to turn the transmission for the agitate mode, the obvious first answer is the Motor coupler. I'd replace it just to be sure.

If it's not the Coupler, the problem points to the transmission itself.

There are only two components of the gearcase that are used for both agitating and spinning.

One is the Agitator shaft which drives the agitator and holds the spin pinion that drives the clutch for spinning.

The other is the main "Bottom and pinion gearcase" itself.

Please see the following Whirlpool parts list for commercial top load direct drive washers although the consumer models use the same transmission parts.

http://shared.whirlpoolcorp.com/assets/pdfs/literature/Repair%20Part%20List%20-%20W10114743.pdf

You need to replace the agitator dogs. Yes...there is such a thing. These are four small plastic pieces under the agitator cap that grip the upper agitator, preventing it from back spinning under a load. Searspartdirect.com has an excellent illustration of how your agitator is assembled. Just type in your model number and look under the "Agitator, Basket and Tub" heading. The dogs are listed as item 10 (part #80040). For a bit more you can order the entire upper cam replacment kit (which includes the dogs) as item 9 (285811). For instructions on how to replace, just follow this link:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r823955-replacing_agitator_dogs

This is an expensive and very simple repair. If you require addtional assistance, let me know. I hope this helps you.

replace the dogs in the top portion of the agaitator, the agaitator top comes off and you will see the four dogs part number is 285707 about 3-5 dollars