How to Replace 285809 Washer Agitator Cam Kit on Whirlpool & Kenmore Top-Load Washers — Step-by-Step

Your Whirlpool washer just started spinning at half speed, leaving your clothes soaking wet at the end of the cycle. You hear the motor running, but the agitator barely moves during the wash cycle. This is the classic sign that the short cam inside your agitator has worn out — the plastic dogs that grip the agitator shaft have stripped away after years of use.

The 285809 agitator cam kit is one of the most common repairs on Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, and Amana top-load washers built between 2000 and 2015. Models like the LSQ9549LQ1, WTW5900TW0, and 7MLSQ8545PQ1 all use this same cam assembly. When it fails, you'll notice the agitator won't agitate properly, the washer spins slowly, or you'll see strange marks left on clothes from the agitator spinning erratically.

What You Need Before Starting

This repair takes about 15-20 minutes and requires minimal tools. You'll need:

• Flathead screwdriver or putty knife
• 7/16" socket wrench or adjustable wrench
• Needle-nose pliers (helpful but not required)
• Towel (to protect the washer top)

Difficulty: Easy — This is a straightforward repair that most people can complete without prior experience.

Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes

Safety First

Unplug your washer from the wall outlet before starting. If it's hardwired, flip the circuit breaker. Water will still be in the tub from your last load — that's fine, but avoid reaching into standing water while the machine has power. Wear safety glasses when working inside the agitator, as the plastic components can sometimes break into sharp pieces.

Step 1: Remove the Agitator Cap

The fabric softener dispenser cap on top of the agitator either twists off or pulls straight up. On most Whirlpool models like the LSQ9549LW0 and 1CWTW5300VW0, you twist counterclockwise about a quarter turn, then lift. Some Kenmore versions just pull straight up with firm pressure. Once the cap is off, you'll see either a bolt or a stud with a cap covering the agitator shaft.

Step 2: Remove the Agitator Bolt

Pop off the plastic cap covering the bolt using a flathead screwdriver. Underneath, you'll find a 7/16" bolt. Use your socket wrench to turn it counterclockwise — it's reverse-threaded on some models, so if it feels tight turning left, try turning right instead. Once the bolt is out, set it aside. The entire upper agitator assembly should now lift straight up and off the lower agitator base.

Step 3: Access the Worn Cam Assembly

Flip the upper agitator upside down on your towel. You'll see the short cam assembly inside — it looks like a small plastic cylinder with gripping teeth around the inside. This is part 285809. The teeth are what grab the agitator shaft to make the agitator spin. When they wear down, the agitator slips and won't agitate properly. Pull the old cam straight out — it should slide out easily, but if it's stuck, use needle-nose pliers to grip and wiggle it free.

Step 4: Install the New 285809 Cam Kit

Take your new 285809 cam kit and slide it into the same position where the old one came from. Make sure the teeth on the inside of the cam face toward the center opening — they need to grip the splined shaft when you reinstall the agitator. Push it down firmly until it seats completely. The kit includes replacement ratcheting dogs and springs, which should already be installed in the new cam. If they're separate, insert the springs first, then snap the plastic dogs into place over them.

Step 5: Reassemble the Agitator

Lower the upper agitator assembly back onto the lower agitator base, aligning the center shaft with the cam opening. Press down while twisting slightly back and forth — you should feel the cam teeth engage with the splines on the shaft. Thread the 7/16" bolt back in (remember, it might be reverse-threaded) and tighten until snug. Don't overtighten or you'll crack the plastic. Snap the plastic cap back over the bolt, then twist the fabric softener dispenser cap back into place.

Testing After Installation

Plug your washer back in and run it through a short wash cycle with a few towels. Watch the agitator during the wash portion — it should now move back and forth aggressively with no slipping. During the spin cycle, check that the tub accelerates to full speed without hesitation. If you still see spinning issues or the agitator won't agitate, double-check that the cam is fully seated and the bolt is tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this cam kit work on my Kenmore washer?

Yes, if your Kenmore washer is a rebadged Whirlpool model (most are). Check your model number against the compatibility list — models like the LSQ9264HZ0 and 2DLSQ7533JQ0 are confirmed to use part 285809. If your Kenmore model starts with 110, it's almost certainly compatible.

Why does my agitator spin freely when I grab it?

That's the ratcheting action — it's supposed to spin freely in one direction. The cam should lock when you turn the agitator in the opposite direction. If it spins freely in both directions, the cam dogs are completely worn out and need replacement immediately. This is exactly what the 285809 kit fixes.

Do I need to replace both the upper and lower agitator?

No. The 285809 cam kit repairs the existing agitator. You only need to replace the entire agitator assembly if the outer plastic is cracked or broken. In 90% of cases where the washer won't agitate or spins slowly, replacing just the cam solves the problem and saves you $100+ versus buying a complete new agitator.