Replace Agitator Dogs Whirlpool

For anyone who owns a Whirlpool washing machine, you might be familiar with the term 'agitator dogs'. These are small components within your washing machine that play a major role in ensuring your clothes come out spotlessly clean. They serve the essential function of making the agitator run properly. Over time, agitator dogs may wear out due to regular use, leading to a decrease in the machine's overall performance. When this happens, it's time to replace them. This article will guide you through the process of replacing the agitator dogs on your Whirlpool washing machine. The Whirlpool washing machine, just like any other machine, requires proper care and maintenance for maximum performance. One common issue with this type of washing machine is the wearing out of the agitator dogs, small pieces of plastic that allow the agitator to rotate in one direction and keep it from turning in the other direction. When these agitator dogs start to wear out, the machine doesn't clean as effectively and efficiently as it should. Thankfully, replacing agitator dogs in a Whirlpool washing machine is a simple task that doesn't require advanced technical skills or expensive tools. Armed with a socket wrench, flathead screwdriver, and of course, new agitator dogs, you should be able to complete the task in no more than an hour. Begin by unplugging your washing machine from the power source. It's a fundamental safety measure that should never be overlooked when handling any electrical appliance. Then, remove the fabric softener dispenser or the cap on top of the agitator. Depending on your machine model, you might find a protective cover underneath which will also need removing. Next, you will see a bolt that connects the upper and lower sections of the agitator. With your socket wrench, carefully remove this bolt. Some versions of the machine may have a dust cap that needs to be removed to see this bolt. Once the bolt is out, you can simply lift the upper part of the agitator, allowing you to access the agitator dogs. At this point, capture a quick picture of the assembly so that you'll remember how it all fits together when you're ready to reassemble. Remove the agitator dogs and replace them with the new ones. Proper alignment of the new agitator dogs is crucial as it ensures they'll perform as required once the washing machine is back in use. Use your pre-taken picture as a guide for reassembly. Reattach the upper agitator onto the lower agitator, ensuring that the bolt is tightened securely. Replace the dust cap if your machine uses one and finally, reattach the dispenser or cap you removed in the first step. Before you go ahead and start washing your clothes, it would be advisable to run a short empty load to verify if the agitator dogs are functioning correctly. If you notice any unusual noise or if the machine doesn't work as expected, you might need to check once more to ensure you assembled everything correctly. In conclusion, learning how to replace the agitator dogs on a Whirlpool washing machine is not only going to save you money that you would have otherwise used to hire a technician, but it can also extend the life of your machine. Regular servicing ensures improved performance and efficiency which is an undeniable money-saver in the long run. So the next time your Whirlpool machine isn't cleaning as efficiently as you'd expect, before running to the technician, it might just be time to replace your agitator dogs.