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Introduction

Follow this guide when the agitator in your GE top-load washer is damaged or when you must remove it to reach the hub or the 7⁄16-inch transmission bolt hidden underneath. The procedure relies on a hidden alignment hole and takes only basic hand tools once you know the trick.

What you need

Step 1 Open the lid

Raise the lid to give full access to the agitator assembly.

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Step 2 Find the alignment hole

Look for the small round hole located at the very bottom of the agitator skirt.
This hole is the only place where a tool can lock the agitator for removal.

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Step 3 Align the hole with the locator tab

Feel around the agitator base until you find the raised nipple on the washer plate.
Rotate the agitator until its hole lines up directly over the nipple.
Removal will not work unless these two features line up exactly.

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Step 4 Lock the agitator

Insert a Phillips screwdriver through the hole and press it in until it bottoms out.
Push the screwdriver in deeply so it fully engages the mechanism.

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Step 5 Hold the tub steady

Have a helper hold the washer tub steady so it cannot rotate while you twist the agitator.
If working solo, brace the tub with your free hand while keeping the screwdriver seated.

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Step 6 Remove the agitator

Grip the agitator housing and turn it clockwise until it breaks free from the drive tabs.
Lift the agitator straight up and out of the tub once it releases.

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Step 7 Optional: Remove the agitator plate

If you need hub access, remove the central 7⁄16-inch bolt with a socket wrench and lift off the plate.

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Step 8 Align the new agitator

Align the four slots on the agitator base with the four plastic retention pieces on the washer plate.
Lower the agitator onto the tabs until it sits flush on the plate.