Model#LSR7233EQ0, this top load washer was making all the normal washing sounds, but the customer noticed that clothes didn't seem to be getting as clean as before. A returning member of the household had been doing the laundry during the previous weeks and didn't seem to notice a problem, but when the customer followed her normal routine to dilute the detergent in the tub, she noticed the agitator almost didn't move.



When the agitator stops moving on a top load washer, the results are usually going to be less than acceptable. The reason the agitator stops moving can vary depending on the make and model of washer, but a good place to start is to first identify if the agitator is indeed not moving, or maybe it's only the top half that is staying in place.

The reason for this simple question, is there are plenty of washers on the market that use whats called a split agitator where the top half moves somewhat independently of the bottom. If the entire thing is not moving, well I have other posts that may be of assistance, but if only the top half isn't moving, well keep on reading.

Split agitators work by moving the bottom half clockwise and counterclockwise while allowing the top half to spin freely in one direction, then moves with the bottom in the other direction. This creates a bit of a tumbling action for your clothes while suspended in the wash water. But if the top half is spinning freely in both directions, it will all but remain stationary during the wash cycle.

When I arrived, I was able to spin the top half of the agitator freely in both directions which means the ratcheting mechanism is no longer working. If you remove the top parts of the agitator, you will see four plastic tabs or 'dogs' as they are called that moved in and out with the rotation of the agitator. These dogs allow for the top half to turn in one direction, then spin freely in the other.

I removed the center mounting bolt from the agitator and the two halves separated from the top half of the gear case. I removed each of the loose components, then installed all the pieces from a new cam kit into the top half. With everything in place, I put the top back on the bottom and secured the agitator to the gear case with the original screw. A quick spin showed everything was back in place and ready for a wash.

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