How to Fix a Washing Machine Agitator

You may sense that your washing machine agitator is literally agitated when your clothes do not turn out clean. The washing machine agitator is an extremely important component which takes care of the cleaning process. It spins with a twist and twirl motion which scrubs off the dirt and muck off the clothes. If the agitator itself is not working to the best of its ability, it is required that the problem be fixed, to restore its functioning.

Washing Machine Agitator Repair

If you conclude your washing machine agitator as not working properly, here are some steps that you need to follow. Make sure that you have the product manual along with you when you set sail to encounter the problem all by yourself. Keep a spanner along, pieces of rag cloth, broom and a new agitator with which you may need to replace the old one, the condition being, if it is broken. The traditional top-loading single drum machines are equipped with machine agitators. The function of the agitator is to swirl back and forth striking a 30 to 100 degree swing. It is through the agitator that the washing machine is able to clean the clothes.

Inspect the Agitator
The first step is to let the washing machine drain out water if it is in process and remove the clothes as well. Remove the hose pipe and the electric plug. Now check the agitator; to see if it is running fine. Also take a close look at the overall condition of the agitator. Has it sustained a crack that may cause its surface to break soon? If the agitator does not have any discrepancies, you may go ahead and check the agitator for its functioning. In this method, you need to be attentive and use your acoustic senses to decipher the problem. When the machine is on the spin mode, pay attention to the sound it creates. Also check if the washing machine spin is as it should be. If the motor is running extremely fast, the problem is in the drive belt. The belt may have become too loose or it is broken and therefore, the clothes are not being washed well.

Check the Drive belt
If the machine was spinning too fast, you need to make sure that the drive belt is secure. It may happen that the drive belt is loose or cracked or in some way worn out. Make suitable purchases to replace the same.

Uninstall the Agitator
To remove the agitator, you need to practice caution. Begin by removing the fabric softener dispenser cap that is situated on top of it. While you remove the dispenser, be very careful. You will notice that there is a bolt right under the softener dispenser. Unbolt it and remove the agitator. It is not a very easy task to have the agitator out. It may take time and energy to lift it. After the spindle is unfastened, there will be a set of splines visible. The plastic splines should be in perfect order. If they are, there is no trouble with the splines. Also, you may notice that the teeth-like structure inside the agitator do not fit into the spindle, due to sustaining cracks or breakage.

Install a New Agitator
If the agitator has encountered fault and has sustained cracks or the agitator does not fit on the splines, it should be replaced with the new agitator. Repairing the cracks is no solution, simply because the condition cannot be repaired. Replacing the agitator with a brand new piece is the only solution. When you buy a new agitator make sure that you are provided with the appropriate model. Notice that there is a number printed at the posterior part of the old agitator and buy appropriately. After you are done with the checking and installing of the new agitator, you may clean the surrounding area with a broom and have the place tidied.

You may be able to purchase a new agitator from a reputed dealer in washing machine parts. If you are not sure about the condition, even after running an inventory all by yourself, you must call an expert to your quarters and get the washing machine checked.