How to Fix Agitator Dogs for a Washer That Will Not Dispense

If your washing machine is not dispensing detergent, it might be because of an issue with your agitator dogs. Worn-out agitator dogs will cause your washer to no longer clean your clothes properly or dispense the correct amount of detergent. The agitator dogs are directly responsible for the rotating ability of the agitator itself, and if they are worn out it can cause the agitator to stop turning completely. Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide with specific details on how you can find, diagnose and replace your agitator dogs.

What are Agitator Dogs?

Agitator directional cogs – dogs as they’re also known – are small pieces of rubber that give the agitator the ability to turn and clean your clothes within the washer. These cogs can wear down over time and can result in clothes not getting as clean as they should due to the agitator not catching on the cogs and properly rotating.

Where are the Agitator Dogs Located?

Agitator dogs are located within a mechanism that sits inside of the center column agitator. They are essential to the rotation and agitation of the cycle, and ensure that the load is properly washed.

Close-Up View of the Agitator Dogs

Full-Scale View of the Agitator Dogs

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect Agitator Dogs

1. Disconnect the power supply and remove the fabric softener cap/top of the agitator.
2. Depending on your model, you may be able to inspect the agitator dogs without removing the agitator itself, but be prepared to take it out.
3. Normally the dogs are housed within the top section of the agitator, and simply pulling out the mechanism is all you need to do to access them, but you may need to unscrew the agitator from the frame of the machine.

How to Test Agitator Dogs

The easiest way to diagnose if your dogs are worn down is to try to turn the top portion of the agitator, and if it turns both clockwise and counter-clockwise without issue, they need to be replaced. If the dogs are still in functioning condition, the agitator would only allow you to rotate it one way and not the other without some sort of stopping force.

How to Install New Agitator Dogs

1. Depending on your agitator assembly, there may be a retainer at the base of the mechanism. Remove that retainer, and then simply pull the old agitator dogs out and insert the new ones.
2. Reassemble the agitator in the same way it was taken apart, and make sure that everything is screwed in and tightened appropriately. Your repair is now complete!

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