Introduction
Use this guide to remove a stuck wash plate, also called a pulsator, from an LG-style top-load washing machine. A seized wash plate can block further service, and this method can free it without destroying the part when normal pulling fails. Disconnect power and water before starting even though the source video does not cover that safety step.
What you need
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Step 1 Remove the pulsator cap
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Feel around the pulsator cap to find the small opening for a screwdriver tip.
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Use a small 2.5 mm flathead screwdriver to pry up the cap and remove it.
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Step 2 Remove the center bolt
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Use a 10 mm socket wrench to remove the bolt that holds the wash plate to the main shaft.
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Step 3 Select screws that will bite into the wash plate
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Pick two screws that fit the holes in the wash plate and can thread into the plate material.
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Use #8 screws with coarse threads and a sharp point so they can stab through the metal and plastic easily.
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Use 1 inch screws, or use 3/4 inch screws as an alternative length.
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Step 4 Thread the extraction screws into the wash plate
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Thread the two screws into the wash plate holes until they bite and hold firmly.
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Step 5 Pull the wash plate free using pliers
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Use slip-joint pliers to grip both screw heads so you can lift straight up on the wash plate.
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Pull up as hard as you can on the screws until the wash plate pops loose.
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Step 6 Inspect the wash plate holes for burrs
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Remove the screws from the wash plate after the plate comes free.
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Smooth down any burrs with sandpaper before reinstalling the wash plate.
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Step 8 Reinstall the wash plate
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Push the wash plate back into place on the shaft.
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Reinstall the center bolt.
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Press the cap back into place to finish.
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Reinstall the wash plate and center bolt securely before running a rinse or spin test. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
