Who let the Agitated Dogs out?

I noticed that our washing machine wasn't working like it should.  I never would have noticed if I had closed the lid and walked away, like I usually do.  But the lid was open and it was working, but clothes weren't getting churned around like it's supposed to.

Then I manipulated the agitator back and forth and there wasn't any resistance.   That didn't seem right.  No wonder the clothes were just going with the flow rotation of the tub.

My first thought, was 'oh no, what's this going to cost to repair?'
The second thought was, 'how much is a new set going to cost?'. Since we were renovating the laundry room anyways, I suppose this was as good a time as any to consider getting a new pair of Washer and Dryer.  I just didn't want to do this purchase now before the dusty work started.

In any case, I called my brother and he gave me some hints on what to look for.  But i then googled "washing machine agitator not working" and the first video I viewed was from a guy named Weezie63.  His intro is something out of Beverly Hill Billies for those old enough to know this show.

But get past the hick show and he was great.  When he said that this was a very easy fix and inexpensive.  I couldn't believe, until I checked it out myself and gave it a try.  Remember the old saying "if you don't try then you must buy."   I just made that up.

The agitator is composed of 2 parts, the bottom part that splayed out is connected to a driveshaft and it turns rotates back and forth, upper part looks like a screw that is driven clockwise, but never counter clockwise.  This is why the clothes are washed in a clockwise rotation.

The agitator is looks like a screw.  When it turns it drives the clothes closest to it downward to the bottom of the tub.  This wasn't happening.  Clothes were just swimming in a circle.

This fix is extremely easy.  Anyone with opposed thumbs can do this and an 11mm socket head and extender and enough money for an egg mcmuffin combo meal with a coffee.

When you disassemble the agitator, ours didn't have a fabric softener dispenser, but the process is pretty much the same.  There is 1 bolt that holds everything down to the drive shaft underneath that top cap that you pry off.  Undo that bolt and the top part comes off.  You will see these things called dogs move when you rotate the agitator and prevent the screw part from rotating counter-clockwise.  These 'dogs' wear out.  This is a 20+year old machine that still works great.  You don't even need to know the model of your washer. They only make 1 type of dog.  It's in ALL top loading units.  Just ask for a set of Agitated Dogs for your top loader.

It makes no sense to spend $2000.00 (if my wife has her choice there'd be another '0' on the price of that washer and dryer set) when the part itself costs $3.22.  Incredible.  You can actually get the parts of eBay for a $1.00 from China, but you'd be waiting 2+ months.  So I splurged the other $2.20 and got it today.

I couldn't believe it. A washing machine repair job for well under $25.00
Here's my receipt as proof.
1 pack of agitated dogs $2.85 + tx.
That's an XLarge double double at Tim Hortons.
Or a venti at Starbucks.

Oh and if the drum doesn't turn and you are hearing a clicking sound.  There's a good chance you need a new drive coupling.  It's $26.80.  And it's an easy fix too.