Inner Cap Seal

After entering the model number of your appliance you will be taken to a page where all of the parts are displayed by sections. On that page about in the middle there is a heading called "Find Part By Symptom." I figured out from there which symptom the washer had and read what other people were saying and how they made the repairs. Basically I had three problem areas, Noise, Leaking and a problem with the agitator. I focused on the loud noise first and decided I needed to replace the clutch/brake assemblies. I found the clutch parts page and on that page there was a video on how to make this repair. This video is all you need to gain access to all moving parts located under the cabinet. Which ever part you are replacing, I recommend watching this video! After removing the console, back panel and cabinet then laying the machine on its back just as seen on the video, I had access to the water pump, motor, transmission and related clutch/brake parts. As it turned out I did not need the clutch/brake assembly but as a precaution and because the parts were cheap, I replaced the motor coupling, water pump and tub wear pads. I decided to replace the agitator assembly because of several worn parts associated with the dog ears/drive shaft ETC. I put the machine back upright and took off the top cap on the agitator, then there is an inner cap with seal that gives access to the 7/16" bolt you must remove to remove the agitator. However once the agitator was removed I noticed metal shavings and play in the shaft. I used a spanner wrench to remove the spanner nut. I removed the Plastic Tub Ring (has several clips around the outer tub), then removed the inner washer tub to replace the Drive Block. Replacing the Drive Block stopped the loud noise at the end of the spin cycle. Now just reverse the order to put the machine back together and your done. For my situation it was best to take the machine apart and decide which parts I needed before ordering to minimize errors. These machines are made very cheaply and are designed to brake at some point in time and it is very easy to determine which parts are worn because most are made of plastic. In this process I also noticed where my leaks (did I say Leaks) were coming from. There were two hose clamps installed improperly from the factory, so check all clamps, hoses ETC. and you should be good to go.

Using kit 285587 was straight forward. Removed fabric softener dispenser & sealing cap. It took more time to find the socket set (needed a 7/16 socket) with a long driver (10 inch) than to unscrew & remove the auger & agitator.
Cleaned up the bowl whilst it was apart (good buildup of junk under the agitator). Replaced agitator, new thrust washer to find that grease should be applied but isn't included in kit (get part not 350849). Grrr.... Applied new auger, cam, dogs and holder. (No instructions in kit for assembling cam, dogs & holder, but you can work it out ok). Applied new bolt & washer, new seal on cap. Installed fabric softener. Could have been a 15 minute job but peace and quiet in the garage makes it worthy of taking longer ;-)

I read the repair suggestions from Paul and Karen. I was amazed at how easy it really was. I have never fixed something like that before and my husband was not home to do it so I just read the directions for repair on your partselect site. I printed off the directions that another person wrote and followed them as to how to take off the control panel. ONce that was off, the rest was easy. I numbered each screw and hole so it would be easy to put back together but really wasn't that necessary. It really took less than an hour, I am glad I didn't pay someone to do it! It's was extremely helpful to have the directions on your site that told how to take the control panel off.

As for the O ring replacement..that was less than five minutes...just take the top part off and pull the other part out and replace the ring. Anyone can do that. No tools.

It was extremely easy. I removed the plastic cap under the softener dispenser, removed the nut and washer that holds the upper agitator in place and then replaced the parts that came in the kit. The most important note for those who may be doing this job is that the o-ring for the cap under the softener dispenser, the seal washer for the bolt and the thrust spacer under the upper agitator all came with the kit. I did not realize that and ordered them all seperately.

I used "Emley's Cheap and Easy Repair" book to remove,install and reassemble the machine.
A lot of time was used to clean the filthy tub and basket.
While replacing the broken motor coupling I decided to replace some of the seals.
PartSelect got the ordered parts to me in a couple of days.
I wouldn't hesitate to do the job again.

Removed the softerner dispenser and the inner cap and seal. Removed the mounting bolt. Pulled on Auger and entire agitator came out. I needed to separate the parts. It said to stand on the bottom and pull on the top. I am an "older" woman and after wrestling with it for an hour without success I waited for my nephew to come by to separate the two pieces. When he did, it popped apart and all the parts went flying. Poor guy thought he had broken it. After conviencing him that that was what I wanted it to do, he left. Dirrections weren't very clear as to what went on first and I didn't have the convience of seeing it before it flew apart. Finally put it together and replaced the bolt. To no avail, something was wrong. My sister was making the same repair at her house across the street so we double teamed it. She came over and told me that I needed to put the Bottom agitator in the machine, then the spacer thrust, then the auger, then the assembled cam and cam dogs, then the bolt. All went well and was working.......so we thought. Started a washer load and the washer started leaking water. Don't know why, still don't know why. All I did was remove everything, put it back the very same way, and it hasn't leaked since. Go figure!

replaced the agitator cogs, bearing and the O-Ring. I looked all over Houston for these part, but found them on PartSelect. Had them in about 3 days. The repair only took about 30 minutes.

I saved a bunch of money!!
Thanks.

First I removed the fabric softener dispenser. I removed the inner cap seal and agitator retaining bolt. Then I firmly pulled up on the agitator to remove the complete agitator assembly. I replaced the inner cap seal and installed the new agitator bolt with rubber washer. I placed the new agitator assembly on the drive shaft and tightened the bolt. Lastly I installed the inner seal and the fabric softener dispenser. The total time spent was around 10 minutes.

was really simple like others before me described. Removed cap to excess recessed bolt. Once that was out of the way pulled up gently on agitator and disassembled the agitator from base. Actually repair only took about 8 minutes. Working like new again and that keeps everybody happy! Thanks again.

I removed dispenser for softener, then pulled cap inside upper agitator, I was able to get my fingers in the grips and pull firmly to unseat it. (disgard o-ring it comes with the repair kit). I then removed the bolt from center and grabbed the bottom of the lower agitator and gave it a good tug to release the whole unit. If that don't work you can get a flat tip screwdriver between the two sections and pry up slightly. Once it was all loose I removed the upper assembly taking care to to remember how all the pieces were assembled. replaced everything in the same order and when it came time to reinstall the inner cap and seal I made sure I put the cap in straight. Also if the seal doesn't cooperate you can use a little liquid soap to lubricate it. you dont want to use grease because it could possibly get on the clothes (the softener sits in there)! You can use the tip of the screwdriver to tuck the oring in if that doesn't work but be very careful

Read the directions in the repair kit first- a 7/16" socket and 10" extension is needed. Assembled new dogs on agitator "cup" and retainer, added marine(waterproof) grease to assembly washer, replaced bolt anyway and installed new o ring. Took less than 15 minutes-READ ALL DIRECTIONS FIRST!

I popped of the fabric softner dispenser at the top auger by appling pressure with both thumbs rather than use the notch provided. This gives access to the agitator mounting bolt which was removed with a deep socket and extension on a ratchet handle. The agitator slipped right off the splined shaft by pulling upward at two points at the bottom. I ordered the complete agitator repair kit which included a part that improved the operation of the top auger, it may have been a factory upgrade at some point on this machine. I did use silicone grease where required and I feel that this is a must for longevity of the thrust washer. If you are ordering the complete kit, the o-ring seal for the inner cap is included. The machine washes like it was new.

Used your exploded view of the area to determine the problem-found the broken part and reassembled following the drawing. I felt like a pro after a test and kept my wife happy. [only lost a few days waiting for the parts which arrived as expected]

Removed bolt in center of agitator then slid agitator straight up and out replaced the dogs and the other parts that came with the cam kit i also replaced a few of the other parts that wear in the agitator ,you can actually re-cut the teeth on the dogs with a razor so that they will work again ,but new parts are very reasonably priced and the parts arrived very quickly the next day .

Looking at the Whirlpool web page for this model number it was easy to order 1. agitator directional cogs; 2. Inner cap seal and 3. washer for agitator bolt; After you remove agitator cap barrier you see agitator bolt that you need to remove (it's a little tricky) and the rest you do by intuition. I am not an repairman but looking at the whirlpool web for this model it was incredibly easy. Before repair the agitator upper part was not moving at all. Professional repair estimation was $100.