Agitator Assembly, Dual-Action Agitator, Top-Load Washer Agitator, Wash Basket Agitator, Agitator Complete Assembly

Part number W11550891 replaces W10821990, W10882734, W11093899, W11161960, W11162012

Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Kenmore

11020372710, 11020372711, 11022352510, 11022352511, 11022352512, 7MMVWC565FW0, 7MMVWC565FW1, CAW42114GW0, CAW42114GW1, CAW42114GW2, MDB4949SKB0, MDB4949SKW0, MDB4949SKZ0, MDB7959SKZ0, MDB9979SKZ0, MVW6230HC0, MVW6230HC2, MVW6230HW0, MVW6230HW2, MVW6230RHW0, MVW6230RHW1, MVW6230RHW2, MVW7230HC0, MVW7230HW0, MVW8230HC0, MVWB765FC1, MVWB765FC2, MVWB765FC3, MVWB765FC4, MVWB765FW0, MVWB765FW1, MVWB765FW2, MVWB765FW3, MVWB765FW4, MVWB766FW0, MVWB766FW1, MVWB865GC0, MVWB865GC1, MVWB865GW0, MVWB865GW1, MVWB965HC0, MVWB965HW0, MVWC565FW0, MVWC565FW1, MVWC565FW2, WDT750SAKB0, WDT750SAKV0, WDT750SAKW0, WDT750SAKZ0, WDTA50SAKB0, WDTA50SAKT0, WDTA50SAKV0, WDTA50SAKW0, WDTA50SAKZ0, WTW5005KW0, WTW5105HC0, WTW5105HC1, WTW5105HC2, WTW5105HW0, WTW5105HW1, WTW5105HW2, ZAW47115GW0

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: This repair involves working inside the washer tub and removing heavy components. Always unplug the washer before beginning work to prevent injury from unexpected washer operation. The agitator assembly is heavy (5-8 pounds)—use proper lifting techniques and get assistance if needed. If you are not comfortable working with washer components, hire a qualified appliance repair technician.

1. Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet to ensure complete power disconnection. This is critical for safety to prevent unexpected washer operation during the repair.
2. Turn off the water supply to the washer by closing the hot and cold water shutoff valves (optional but recommended for safety).
3. Open the washer lid to access the agitator and wash tub interior.
4. Remove all laundry from the washer tub if any is present.
5. Take multiple photos of the agitator installation, fabric softener dispenser position (if applicable), and how the agitator sits in the tub before removal. Document from multiple angles. This is helpful for proper reinstallation. Use a camera or smartphone to capture high-quality images.
6. Remove the fabric softener dispenser cup from the top of the agitator (if applicable). The dispenser typically lifts straight up and out of the agitator top. Set it aside in a safe location.
7. Remove the agitator cap from the top center of the agitator. The cap typically pries off using a flat-head screwdriver or your fingers. Insert the screwdriver under the edge of the cap and gently pry upward. The cap may snap off or unscrew depending on the model. Caution: Use gentle pressure to avoid breaking the cap.
8. Locate the agitator mounting bolt underneath the cap. The bolt is typically a 7/16-inch hex head bolt or a large Phillips-head screw.
9. Remove the agitator mounting bolt using a 7/16-inch socket wrench with extension, or a Phillips screwdriver. Turn counterclockwise to loosen and remove the bolt completely. Important: Hold the agitator steady while removing the bolt to prevent it from spinning.
10. Set the mounting bolt aside in a safe location where it won't be lost.
11. Inspect the agitator for any additional fasteners or locking mechanisms. Some models may have additional clips or tabs that must be released before the agitator can be removed.
12. Grasp the agitator firmly with both hands on opposite sides of the agitator body.
13. Pull the agitator straight up with steady, firm pressure to remove it from the drive shaft. Important: The agitator may be tight on the drive shaft and require significant pulling force to remove. Rock the agitator gently side-to-side while pulling upward to help break it free. Caution: The agitator is heavy (5-8 pounds)—use proper lifting techniques and be prepared for sudden release when it breaks free from the drive shaft.
14. If the agitator is stuck and will not pull off: Try the following techniques: (a) spray penetrating oil (such as WD-40) around the base of the agitator where it meets the drive shaft and wait 15-30 minutes for the oil to penetrate; (b) use a strap wrench or agitator removal tool to grip the agitator and apply more pulling force; (c) rock the agitator more vigorously side-to-side while pulling upward; (d) tap the sides of the agitator gently with a rubber mallet while pulling upward to help break the seal. Caution: Do not use excessive force or strike the agitator with a metal hammer, which can crack the plastic.
15. Once the agitator releases, lift it completely out of the washer tub and place it on a clean work surface with adequate space for inspection.
16. Inspect the old agitator for visible damage such as cracked or broken agitator body or fins, worn or broken agitator dogs (visible inside the upper agitator section), stripped or damaged center spline (visible at the bottom of the agitator), broken springs or torsion bars, damaged fabric softener dispenser, or excessive wear on fins and vanes. This confirms the diagnosis.
17. Test the agitator dogs (if accessible) by rotating the upper agitator section relative to the lower section. The upper section should rotate freely in one direction and lock or engage in the opposite direction. If the upper section spins freely in both directions, the agitator dogs are worn or broken.
18. Inspect the drive shaft in the washer tub. The drive shaft should be clean, undamaged, and have visible splines or flats for the agitator to engage. Clean any debris, lint, or residue from the drive shaft using a damp cloth.
19. Inspect the drive shaft splines for damage, wear, or stripping. If the drive shaft is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced before installing the new agitator (this requires transmission service and is beyond the scope of this repair).
20. Unpack the new W11550891 agitator assembly from its packaging. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the fins or agitator body. Important: The agitator is heavy (5-8 pounds)—use proper lifting techniques.
21. Verify the agitator specifications match the old agitator: total height approximately 18-24 inches, base diameter approximately 12-14 inches, dual-action design with upper and lower sections, center spline or drive coupling configuration, number and size of agitator fins, fabric softener dispenser (if applicable).
22. Compare the new agitator to the old one to verify the dimensions, fin configuration, center spline design, and overall appearance match. Ensure you have the correct replacement part.
23. Inspect the new agitator for any damage or defects before installation. The agitator body should be intact with no visible cracks or damage. The fins should be straight and undamaged. The center spline should be clean and undamaged. The agitator dogs (internal) should engage properly when you test the upper section rotation.
24. Test the new agitator dogs by rotating the upper agitator section relative to the lower section. The upper section should rotate freely in one direction (typically clockwise) and lock or engage with resistance in the opposite direction (counterclockwise). This confirms the agitator dogs are functioning properly.
25. Align the new agitator with the drive shaft in the washer tub. The center spline or drive coupling at the bottom of the agitator must align with the splines or flats on the drive shaft.
26. Lower the new agitator onto the drive shaft, ensuring the splines engage properly. Push the agitator down firmly while rotating it slightly back and forth to help the splines mesh.
27. Push the agitator down firmly until it seats completely on the drive shaft. The agitator should sit flush with the bottom of the washer tub with no gap between the agitator base and the tub bottom. Important: If the agitator does not seat fully, the splines may not be aligned—lift the agitator slightly, rotate it, and try again.
28. Verify the agitator is fully seated by checking that the bottom of the agitator is flush with or slightly below the tub bottom, and there is no visible gap.
29. Install the agitator mounting bolt through the center hole in the top of the agitator and thread it into the drive shaft. Turn clockwise to tighten.
30. Tighten the mounting bolt firmly using a 7/16-inch socket wrench with extension, or a Phillips screwdriver. Tighten until the bolt is snug and the agitator is firmly secured to the drive shaft. Important: Do not overtighten, which can strip the threads or crack the agitator. Typical torque is 15-25 ft-lbs (hand-tight plus 1/4 turn).
31. Verify the agitator is securely mounted by grasping the agitator and attempting to lift it or rock it side-to-side. The agitator should not move or lift off the drive shaft—it should be firmly secured.
32. Test the agitator movement by rotating the upper agitator section by hand. The upper section should rotate freely in one direction and engage with resistance in the opposite direction. This confirms the agitator dogs are functioning properly.
33. Reinstall the agitator cap by aligning it with the center hole and pressing it firmly into place (snap-fit) or screwing it on (threaded cap). The cap should sit flush with the top of the agitator.
34. Reinstall the fabric softener dispenser cup (if applicable) by inserting it into the top of the agitator and pressing it down until it seats properly. The dispenser should sit flush with the agitator top and not wobble or lift out easily.
35. Verify all components are properly installed by visually inspecting the agitator, cap, and dispenser. Everything should be secure and properly seated.
36. Close the washer lid.
37. Restore power by plugging in the washer.
38. Turn on the water supply by opening the hot and cold water shutoff valves.
39. Run a test cycle to verify proper agitator operation. Select a normal or quick wash cycle with no clothes in the washer.
40. Start the washer and allow it to fill with water.
41. Observe the agitator during the wash cycle through the washer lid (if your model has a clear lid or allows viewing). The agitator should move back and forth (oscillate) or rotate with strong, consistent motion. Both the upper and lower sections should move, with the upper section showing the characteristic dual-action or counter-rotating motion.
42. Listen for unusual noises during agitation. The agitator should operate smoothly and quietly with only normal water sloshing sounds. There should be no clicking, grinding, rattling, or squealing noises.
43. Verify the agitator is not loose by checking that it remains firmly seated on the drive shaft throughout the cycle. The agitator should not wobble, lift up, or shift position.
44. Allow the test cycle to complete through wash, rinse, and spin cycles to verify full washer operation.
45. After the test cycle completes, open the lid and inspect the agitator again. Verify it is still securely mounted and shows no signs of damage or looseness.
46. Run a second test cycle with a small load of laundry to verify cleaning performance. Use old towels or similar items that can withstand testing.
47. Verify the clothes are cleaned properly and move freely through the water without tangling around the agitator.
48. If the agitator operates properly and clothes are cleaned effectively, the repair is complete and the washer is ready for normal use.

Safety Notes: Always unplug the washer before working on it to prevent injury from unexpected washer operation. The agitator assembly is heavy (5-8 pounds)—use proper lifting techniques and be prepared for sudden release when removing the old agitator. Some agitators may be very tight on the drive shaft and require significant pulling force—use caution to avoid injury. Do not use excessive force or strike the agitator with a metal hammer, which can crack the plastic. Tighten the mounting bolt firmly but do not overtighten, which can strip threads or crack the agitator. Test the agitator dogs before installation to confirm proper operation. This repair requires basic mechanical skills and careful attention to proper installation—most homeowners can complete this repair successfully with proper precautions and patience.

1. Test the agitator dogs before installation by rotating the upper agitator section relative to the lower section. The upper section should rotate freely in one direction (typically clockwise) and lock or engage with resistance in the opposite direction (counterclockwise). This confirms the agitator dogs are functioning properly. If the upper section spins freely in both directions, the agitator dogs are defective and the agitator should not be installed.
2. The agitator may be very tight on the drive shaft and require significant pulling force to remove. This is normal—agitators form a tight seal on the drive shaft over time due to detergent residue, mineral deposits, and mechanical wear. Rock the agitator gently side-to-side while pulling upward with steady, firm pressure. If the agitator is extremely stuck, spray penetrating oil around the base and wait 15-30 minutes before attempting removal again.
3. Clean the drive shaft thoroughly before installing the new agitator. Remove any lint, detergent residue, mineral deposits, or debris from the drive shaft using a damp cloth or soft brush. A clean drive shaft ensures proper spline engagement and makes future agitator removal easier. Do not use abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the drive shaft splines.
4. Verify the agitator is fully seated on the drive shaft before installing the mounting bolt. The bottom of the agitator should be flush with or slightly below the tub bottom with no visible gap. If there is a gap, the splines are not fully engaged—lift the agitator slightly, rotate it to align the splines, and push down firmly until it seats completely. An improperly seated agitator will not agitate effectively and may damage the drive shaft or transmission.
5. Tighten the agitator mounting bolt firmly but do not overtighten. The bolt should be snug enough to prevent the agitator from lifting off the drive shaft during operation, but not so tight that it strips the threads or cracks the agitator. Typical torque is 15-25 ft-lbs, which is approximately hand-tight plus 1/4 turn. If you overtighten and strip the threads, the agitator will not stay secured and will need to be replaced again.
6. The dual-action agitator design provides superior cleaning performance compared to single-action agitators. The upper and lower sections move independently, creating enhanced water turbulence and fabric movement that removes soil and stains more effectively. The agitator dogs (internal ratcheting mechanisms) allow the upper section to rotate freely in one direction while engaging in the opposite direction, creating the characteristic counter-rotating motion.
7. Agitator dogs typically last 8-12 years with normal use. With average use (5-7 loads per week), agitator dogs typically last 10-12 years before wearing out. Heavy use, overloading the washer, or washing heavy items (blankets, rugs) accelerates agitator dog wear. Replace the complete agitator assembly promptly when agitator dogs fail to restore effective cleaning performance.
8. If the agitator wobbles or is loose after installation, verify the mounting bolt is tight and the splines are fully engaged. A loose agitator indicates either the mounting bolt is not tight enough, the splines are not fully engaged, or the drive shaft splines are stripped or damaged. Remove the agitator, inspect the drive shaft splines for damage, and reinstall the agitator ensuring proper spline engagement and bolt tightness.
9. The agitator should move with strong, consistent motion during the wash cycle. Normal agitation produces back-and-forth (oscillating) motion with stroke angles of 90-180 degrees and frequencies of 60-120 strokes per minute depending on cycle selection. If the agitator moves weakly or inconsistently after replacement, the problem may be with the transmission, drive belt, or motor rather than the agitator itself.
10. Some washer models have different agitator heights for different tub capacities. Verify you are ordering the correct agitator height for your washer model. Installing an agitator that is too tall may interfere with the washer lid or prevent proper operation. Installing an agitator that is too short may reduce cleaning performance. Always verify your washer model number and order the correct replacement part.