Kenmore Washer - Agitator Problem

10 years ago

I was hoping you could point me in the right direction...The agitator on my washer is not working.. The pump works fine. Makes some unusual noise when it should be agitating; not very loud; sounds fine when it's pumping. Here's some more details...

It's a Kenmore (I believe Whirlpool), top load, direct drive, bought in September 2000, model no. 11020942990, CK 3825708.

I took off the top of the agitator, and the dogs are shots...there were bits of plastic and dust in there. But that's not all that's going on. I removed the bottom part of the agitator (removing the 7/16" nut) and filled the tub. No movement of the shaft at all (picture).

I'm thinking that's either the coupler between the motor and agitator shaft, or the gearbox/clutch.... My thoughts are that if it's the coupler, that would seem worth the cost of the repair. But if it's the gearbox/clutch, it's probably time for a new washer.

But this being the first washer I've looked into, I really don't know. Any thoughts?

Thanks a lot...

Comments (5)

dadoes
10 years ago
The coupler is OK if it does spin, although examination is the only way to be 100% sure.

Your serial number indicates manufacture in 38th week of 2000.

I would repair the machine if it was mine, even if the transmission must be replaced (although I can do the repair myself so wouldn't have to pay a service tech). Those direct-drive Whirlpools are very robust and easy to repair, superior IMO to any toploader on the market now.

Replacing the tranny is not as difficult as you may think. There are videos on YouTube, and numerous online sources for parts (including eBay).
ljcap
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the fast reply... One follow-up question.... "The coupler is OK if it does spin, although examination is the only way to be 100% sure." I'm not sure what to examine... nothing in the "top side" is spinning when the motor runs. I can turn the shaft (in the picture) some by hand, but it is a bit difficult.

I'm thinking the next step is to start taking the bottom apart... you tune video's seem straightforward... I guess I'll check to see if the coupler's broken, or if the tranny's spinning freely...
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ljcap
Original Author
10 years ago
Okay. I'm underneath, and the coupler appears to be fine. I can spin it fairly easily by hand.
ljcap
Original Author
10 years ago
Okay. I'm underneath, and the coupler appears to be fine. I can spin it fairly easily by hand.
dadoes
10 years ago
If the three fingers on each half of the coupler aren't broken, the rubber bushing isn't mangled, and the coupler halves aren't cracked such that they're not securely gripping the motor and tranny shafts ... then it's good.