One part of agitator moves the other part doesnt.

Two-Piece Agitator: Bottom Works, Top Does Not - Whirlpool brands

Some Whirlpool brands washing machines employ a two piece agitator. The bottom is call the agitator and the top is usually referred to a 'Mover'. A multi-piece cam and bearing assembly connects the two and allows the top portion to index.

If the bearing or cams become stripped or damaged, the mover will often not work. Fortunately, Whirlpool produces a cost effective agitator repair kit that replaces all of the critical components in this cam assembly. There are three different repair kits. They differ in the height of the cam.


Agitator Removal Instructions:


Remove Dispenser or Cap:
Some models of washing machines utilize a fabric softener dispenser that resides on top of the agitator. This dispenser simply snaps onto the top of the agitator. Other styles utilize a decorative cap. To remove the dispenser, simply grab it and firmly pull up. To remove the agitator cap, insert a small flat-head screw driver into the seam between the agitator cap and the upper agitator (mover). Use a twisting or prying action to pop the cap off of the agitator.

Remove Internal Debris Cap:
Inside the agitator you will see a cap with a raised handle, much like that of your automobile. Simply reach into the agitator and twist the cap while pulling up. This will remove the cap and its o-ring.

Remove Agitator Stud:
When looking into the agitator assembly, you will notice a single nut in the center of the agitator. Use a socket kit or nut driver to remove this bolt (agitator stud).

Remove the Upper Agitator (Mover):
With the bolt removed you should be able to remove the upper half of the agitator (mover) by simply pulling up. Sometimes pulling up will actually remove the whole agitator assembly. If this happens, place the Lower Agitator on the floor and stand on the flat lip. Then Pull up to separate the Upper Agitator (mover) from the Lower Agitator.

Remove the Cam and Clutch Dogs:
When you remove the upper agitator (mover) it contains the cam and clutch dogs. Tun the assembly upside down. The cam and dogs should then come out.

-- Stop Here if Replacing Cam Kit --

Remove O-ring:
The lower agitator remains on the transmission shaft. On the top of the agitator, there is an o-ring. Remove this o-ring.

Pull the Lower Agitator:
All that remains is the lower agitator. This can be removed by simply pulling straight up on the agitator.


Agitator Installation Instructions:

Set Lower Agitator:
Slide the lower agitator onto the transmission shaft. Rotate the lower agitator until the splines in the shaft match those in the agitator. Once aligned press the agitator down. Install the o-ring into the top of the lower agitator.

-- Start Here if Replacing Cam Kit --

Assemble Cam and Dogs:
Turn the cam upside down. Place the small round ear of the dog into the corresponding slot on the cam. Repeat this for each of the four cams.

Install Cam and Dogs into Upper Agitator:
Invert the Upper Agitator (mover) and slide the cam/dog assembly inside. The cam should be pushed into the mover until it shoulders. Then rotate the whole assembly upright.

Install the Upper Agitator (Mover) on the Lower Agitator:
The lower agitator has two tabs that stick up that are 180 degrees apart. These tabs fit into two slots on the bottom of the cam. Align the matching tabs and slots and place the Upper Agitator (mover) and cam assembly onto the lower agitator. Push down until the cam snaps onto the Lower Agitator. If the dogs fall out during this step it is necessary to return to the 'Assemble Cam and Dogs' section above and start over.

Install the Agitator Stud:
Place the bolt (agitator stud) into the hole in the bottom center of the cam. Use a socket kit or nut driver to tighten the bolt .

Install Internal Debris Cap:
Install the o-ring into the groove on the OD of the debris cap. With the o-ring in place, push the cap into the Upper Agitator (mover). It is important that the cap is pushed past the ports in the Upper Agitator (mover) so that the wash water can enter and exit as designed.

Install the Dispenser or Cap:
The final step is to replace the top cap. Both the cap and the dispenser simply snap into place. Just make sure they are installed as far down a they will go and are firmly in place.