How to Replace 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs on Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers — Step-by-Step

You load your Whirlpool or Kenmore washer, start the cycle, and notice something's off. The agitator's bottom section spins fine, but the top part just sits there doing nothing. Your clothes aren't getting clean because the top half of the agitator has stopped working. This is the classic sign of worn-out agitator dogs — the small plastic cams inside the agitator that grip and release to create that back-and-forth motion.

The good news? Replacing agitator dogs is one of the easiest washer repairs you can tackle yourself. No special tools needed, and you'll save the $150-200 a service call would cost. This repair works on most Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid top-load washers including models LSQ9010LQ1, LSR8233EQ0, LSR7233BQ0, and dozens more.

What You Need Before Starting

This is about as straightforward as appliance repairs get. You don't need any tools for most models — just your hands and the replacement dogs. The entire job takes 10-15 minutes.

• Tools required: None (hands only)
• Repair time: 10-15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy — perfect for first-time DIYers
• Parts needed: 80040 Agitator Dogs 4-pack ($9.99)

Safety First

Always unplug your washer before working on it. Even though this repair doesn't involve electrical components, you don't want the machine accidentally starting mid-repair. Water and electricity don't mix, so disconnect the power first. If your washer is hardwired, flip the breaker. Also, make sure the drum is empty and there's no standing water before you start.

Step 1: Remove the Agitator Cap and Fabric Softener Dispenser

Pop off the fabric softener dispenser cup on top of the agitator — it just lifts straight up. Underneath, you'll see a cap held down by a bolt or simply pressed on. On most Whirlpool and Kenmore models, this cap twists counterclockwise to remove. Some older models have a 7/16" bolt you'll need to unscrew. Once the cap's off, lift out the top half of the agitator. It should pull straight up, though you might need to wiggle it a bit if it hasn't been removed in years.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Old Agitator Dogs

Flip the top agitator piece upside down. You'll see four plastic cams arranged in a circle — these are the agitator dogs. They're usually white or tan plastic and sit in grooved pockets. Look closely and you'll probably see they're worn down, cracked, or completely rounded off. That's why your agitator stopped working. Pull each old dog straight out of its pocket. Some will fall right out, others might need a gentle pry with your finger or a flathead screwdriver.

Step 3: Install the New Agitator Dogs

Take your new dogs from the 80040 4-pack and examine them. Notice they have a curved profile — this isn't symmetrical. The pointed end needs to face the direction of agitator rotation. Look inside the agitator pockets and you'll see directional grooves showing which way they go. Press each new dog firmly into its pocket until it seats completely. You should feel it snap into place. Check that all four are oriented the same direction and sitting flush in their grooves.

Step 4: Reassemble the Agitator

Lower the top agitator section back onto the bottom section still in the washer. Line up the cam mechanism and push down firmly — you should feel it engage. Replace the cap by either screwing it down clockwise or threading the bolt back in, depending on your model. Don't overtighten if there's a bolt; hand-tight plus a quarter turn is plenty. Snap the fabric softener dispenser cup back on top. Give the agitator a spin by hand — the top and bottom sections should both rotate together now.

Testing After Installation

Plug your washer back in and run a test cycle without any clothes. Watch the agitator during the wash cycle. Both the top and bottom sections should move in that aggressive back-and-forth motion. If the top still doesn't move, double-check that the dogs are oriented correctly — they only work in one direction. Also verify the top agitator is fully seated on the bottom section.

While you've got the agitator apart, this is the perfect time to deep-clean your washer. If you've noticed any musty smells, run a cleaning cycle with Affresh washer cleaner tablets. Residue and detergent buildup can hide under the agitator and cause odors over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do agitator dogs typically last?

Agitator dogs wear out from friction over time — usually after 5-10 years of regular use. If you wash heavy loads frequently or use your washer daily, they'll wear faster. Once they start slipping, they go downhill quickly. The top part of the agitator will work intermittently at first, then stop completely as the dogs round off.

Will the wrong agitator dogs damage my washer?

Using incorrect dogs won't damage the washer, but they won't work properly. The 80040 dogs fit Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid direct-drive washers — models like LSQ9010LQ1, LSR8233EQ0, and LSQ9544KQ0. They replace original part numbers 285612, 285770, AP3119063, and PS388034. If your agitator design is different, these won't seat correctly and the top section won't engage.

Why does only the bottom part of my agitator still work?

The bottom agitator section is directly driven by the washer's motor, so it always spins. The top section relies on those four small agitator dogs to grab and release during the wash cycle. When the dogs wear down and lose their grip, the top section just freewheels — it spins loosely but doesn't provide any agitation. That's why your clothes come out not-quite-clean even though the washer sounds like it's working fine.