Agitator Dogs

Use this page only when the model has an agitator assembly that uses directional cogs, often called agitator dogs. Do not assume all top-load agitators use them.

Separate upper-agitator behavior from a whole drive failure

Safety and state. Stop the washer before inspection. Keep hands clear of movement; isolate power before permitted access. Never bypass an interlock or work through water.

Use only observations available during normal permitted operation with the lid closed. If motion cannot be seen safely, record the cycle result and leave the comparison to documented inspection. Never bypass the lid switch or reach into motion.

Choose the observation that matches

Only the upper section fails to advance

This narrows inspection to the upper assembly if the design has one; it does not identify a specific failed item. Confirm the cogs, cam and retaining parts in the exact assembly record before selecting a kit.

Neither agitator section moves

This needs a wider drive/control diagnosis. Replacing cogs does not address every loss-of-agitation symptom.

The washer uses an impeller or one-piece agitator

This page’s cog repair path may not apply. Use the exact assembly record; do not adapt an unrelated kit.

The kit contains a familiar part number

A commonly quoted number is not evidence of fitment. Match full model, assembly revision and any documented supersession.

What this component does

Agitator dogs are small repair items in certain multi-part agitator assemblies. The example manufacturer diagram lists the agitator dog separately from the clothes mover, cam and agitator; it does not establish that another washer uses the same mechanism or part.

Before selecting a replacement

  • Match the complete appliance model and suffix to the manufacturer parts record.
  • Confirm the exact component, revision and any documented supersession. Appearance, brand or series name is not compatibility evidence.
  • Obtain the applicable access, installation and verification procedure before buying parts.

Choose the supported repair path

If only the upper agitator behavior was ineffective, obtain the exact assembly diagram and documented inspection before choosing between cogs, cam or retaining parts. If the whole wash action is absent, follow the broader drive diagnostic path. Do not order a familiar kit number without full-model verification.

Confirm the outcome

The relevant symptom is resolved

Record what changed and confirm normal operation using the applicable instructions. A changed symptom does not validate unrelated parts.

The finding is unresolved or recurs

Stop repeated workarounds and get the underlying fault established. Do not order a second part to compensate for an uncertain diagnosis.

DIY difficulty and service boundary

Access and retaining hardware vary. Do not dismantle the agitator without its applicable procedure.

What belongs in the repair quote

Compare a verified cog/assembly repair with the cost of resolving any wider drive fault.

Repair decision

Price the confirmed small agitator repair separately from any wider drive work; loss of wash action alone is not a reason to replace the whole washer.

Verify identity before repair

Use the complete model and suffix, exact assembly revision and applicable procedure. Preserve the observations that support the proposed part.

Sources and applicability