Kenmore 90 series 11026912690, agitator makes loud noise

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:

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

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:

searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com

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.