Are you gathering information about how to remove washer agitator? If yes, then you are at the right place. Here, we will tell you some super easy steps to remove the agitator from your washer.
An agitator is no more than a spindle. It spins the clothes from top to bottom and in back and forth direction to completely clean out the stains and dirt from your shirts and jeans.
Whether you are using a washing machine of Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, or Amanas, the agitator removal is more accessible than removing any other washer part. If you don’t know what I mean about this part, you should know that an agitator is a rod-shaped part with fins on the bottom and a fabric softener cap on the top side of the washing machine that you can see in the middle of the drum. Only top-load washers have an agitator inside them, and you’re not going to find it in a front-load washing machine. This is just an overview, so you better read further!
Do All Top Load Machines Come With An Agitator?
Some machines come with a pulsator or wash plate in place of an agitator. A pulsator is just like a plate on the bottom of the washer. This plate tumbles the water to rub the clothes with each other. At the same time, an agitator does the work of tumbling the clothes by its bottom fins and spiral top. Click on this link to know why your dryer make a noise when tumbling.
Steps To Remove Washer Agitator For Repair
There could be several reasons why someone wants to pull the agitator out of the washing machine. Maybe, your agitator is working all right, but there is a problem with the tub bearing, washtub, or the seal and gasket. Alternatively, the agitator itself is not working correctly because of broken or worn-out agitator dogs. No matter the reason for this, you must know how to remove washer agitator to avoid any accident.
Step #1. Unplug the washer
Unplug the washer. This is an essential step before doing any repair work. Ignoring the importance of this step is not a wise choice. Next, remove the top cap of the agitator with the help of a flat-blade screwdriver. Just insert the driver in a tab on the bottom of the cap. Pull the screwdriver up, and the fabric softener dispenser will release. If you don’t see any tab beneath the cap, it must be a friction fit dispenser, and only a pull is enough to remove it. After removing the fabric softener dispenser, you will notice a plastic dust cap. Pull the cap with the hand or needle-nose pliers to remove it.
Step #2. Detach the bolt
Now you have to unscrew the bolt from the center. Just take a 7/16 inch socket and a 10-inch socket extension bar. Place the socket on the bolt and start twisting the extension. The base will start rotating, making it difficult to unscrew. Grasp the base firmly and then remove the bolt from the agitator.
Step #3. Pull out the agitator
Pull the agitator out of the drum. Well, this is not as simple. You have to pull the agitator in a quick, jerky motion. If this will not work, you have to try another technique. Rub a small amount of Vaseline around the base of the agitator, and it will come out quickly.
How To Remove A Non-Bolted Agitator
Some companies, such as GE, manufacture non-bolted agitators. To remove this type of agitator, just pull it out with a jerk after removing the fabric softener dispenser and dust cap. You may also want to read about how to remove a washing machine agitator.
How To Remove A Stuck Agitator
Agitators stuck in the washing machine because of soap residue. But don’t worry. Removing a stuck agitator is not a big deal. Keep reading to find two different methods to pull out the stuck agitator from the washing drum.
Use hot water
Fill the wash drum with hot water until the agitator is half covered. Wait for 10 minutes. The hot water will lose down all the soap from the base. Then, take a rope or ribbon and make a loop around the agitator’s neck. Pull it outside with a jerk.
Use an inflated tire tube
An inflated tire tub is the safest way to remove a stuck agitator. There may be an old tire tube in your home. Just place that tube around the stuck agitator as uniformly as possible. Keep one part of the tube outside. Pump it with the help of a hand pump, or you can even fill the air in it with your mouth. Your kids will do this duty cheerfully. As a result, the agitator will pop up and come out.
It’s A Wrap!
We hope you have completely understood how to remove washer agitator. Now, you can easily pull agitators of all types without facing any trouble. Still, if you find it difficult, do not hesitate to call a technician for your help. Read related articles; know how to repair GE washer and how to reset the Kenmore washer.