washing machine repair, simple question

[dweller]

Last edited Tue Sep 12, 2017, 12:26 AM - Edit history (1)

as far as I recall, when the washer is off the agitator rotates freely clockwise by hand, but not counterclockwise? you could check this out on your washer and assure me it's correct ... top loader model ok?
mine is free both directions and no longer agitates in both directions, just in one one direction and eventually creates a whirlpool ☹️ action... not really washing just swirling the clothes around... online searching has hinted at either the agitator dogs need replacing or the transmission is shot

any advice?

tia

[The_Casual_Observer]

1. By the time you get it repaired you could buy a new one.

[dweller]

2. not on my budget at this time

btw, did you check if your agitator was one way?

[Rollo]

4. Some washers have "indexing" mechanisms where the agitator will move both ways but gradually also...

Move the load in a circle around the center.

Again, call the mfg. There are too many different washer designs to rely on what somebody else's agitator does.

[The_Casual_Observer]

5. I have a goofed up maytag front door one that has no agitator.

Honest to god those things aren't meant to be repaired anymore.

The agitator isn't supposed to move both ways freely.

[dweller]

6. I edited to specify top loading

a
bd yeh I didn't think it should move both ways
thanks

[Rollo]

9. WHAT BRAND?

WHAT MODEL?

DID YOU CALL THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER?


Otherwise, you're wasting our time.



.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

7. Actually they are meant to be repaired and are relatively easy to work on.

I jokingly say they are designed to be assembled by slave labor so most of the components are plug and play.

So what do you do? Buy new stuff every 5 years?

I get a lot of satisfaction repairing my own appliances and appliances for friends. It saves money AND time. The time it takes to research and complete a repair is way less than the minimum 2 visits during the infamous "4 hour window" while you cool your heels and miss work.

I changed the drum in my 4 year old LG dryer for $100 bucks. When I searched online I heard nightmare stories of the machine unassembled for two weeks in the house waiting for the part and the return trip to install. All for $400 plus dollars. AND some people were on their second repair.

My friend had a machine that would drip/fill when not in use. $12 dollar part and super easy to install a fill valve.

Half the battle is knowing how to get to the part. I would have had no idea how to pull my friends Maytag apart until I watched the YouTube video. I had visions of putting it on horses or laying it on its side. Nope. The whole case body comes off after you flip the control panel up. Easy peasy. Two screws and a hose clamp

My neighbor's parents just had the same problem. I showed her the video and told her where to get the part online. I offered to come by and install it. She texted me "no thanks my husband and I did it"

I just did a main knob/timer on my buddy's washing machine. He called me asking where is the best place to buy new appliances. I said let's try and fix it -- he was happy to try as he was just recently unemployed. We spent more time taking the panel off than changing the part. Super easy.

I agree new appliances are way less reliable these days. That's why I think it pays to learn the basic repairs.

[Rollo]

3. Well it might depend on the washer.

Why not call the mfg customer support hotline and ask them?

And I agree, might also be time to get a new washer. I personally prefer the front loading type, which have drums that rotate (in both directions). These clean better, are gentler on fabrics, and usually more water and energy efficient.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

8. I would check repairclinic.com and/or Sears and plug in the model number.

They both often have videos online that show the steps to change out the particular part you look up.