Whirlpool Washing Machine 2-in-1 Agitator Removal

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Introduction

Use this guide to remove the 2-in-1 agitator, the spring-loaded plate cap, and the wash plate impeller from a Whirlpool top-load washer (model WTW5057LW0). This design uses a twist-lock agitator and a spring-loaded cap system, so it comes apart differently than systems with an obvious center fastener.

What you need

Step 1 Prepare for disassembly

Unplug the washer from the wall outlet.
Turn off both water supply valves if you’ll be leaning into the tub for a while.
Open the lid, and make sure the tub is empty and dry enough for good grip.
Wear cut-resistant gloves if you’re using hooked tools or screwdrivers near plastic edges.

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Step 2 Remove the 2-in-1 agitator

Lift up on the agitator handle.
Turn the agitator counterclockwise about one eighth of a turn to dislodge it from the base.
Pull straight up to lift the agitator out of the tub.
If the agitator will not turn, buildup may be locking it in place.
Run a hot deep-wash cycle with washer cleaner to help loosen the buildup before trying again.
Do not force the agitator, or it may crack.

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Step 3 Identify the spring-loaded cap system

Look at the exposed center area to find the plate-cap system under the agitator.
The spring under this cap lets it move up and down to lock the agitator in place.
From top to bottom, the stack is the agitator, plate cap, wash-plate screw, and wash-plate impeller.

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Step 4 Remove the plate cap

Use a trampoline spring tool or another hooked tool to grab the plate cap at its slot.
Pull straight up to release the plate-cap assembly from the wash plate.
Pull straight up so the hook tool does not slip and scratch the tub.

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Step 5 Free a stuck plate cap

Check the cap's retaining fingers if the cap will not release easily.
Insert thin slotted screwdrivers into the holes in the cap.
Flex the pieces outward to help the fingers release, then lift the cap out.
Do not pry against the tub wall or over-flex the plastic fingers.

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Step 6 Remove the wash plate screw

Locate the wash-plate screw in the center under where the cap was removed.
Use a 7/16 socket to turn the screw counterclockwise until it comes out.
Use an impact driver or a socket wrench with an extension if needed to loosen the screw.
If the screw is very tight, have a helper hold the tub while you turn the wrench.
An extension bar can help if clearance is tight.

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Step 7 Remove the wash plate and inspect

Lift the wash-plate impeller off the gear case once the screw is removed.
Inspect the gear-case splines and the underside of the wash plate for damage or stripped splines.
You may find debris wrapped around the splines, such as a piece of cloth.
The basket is held by a spanner nut, but that tool is not required for this procedure.

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Step 8 Reinstall the wash plate and screw

Align the wash plate with the gear-case splines and press it down until it seats.
Apply blue thread locker to the wash-plate screw by holding it upright and coating the threads.
Reinstall the screw using the same method you used to remove it, then tighten it securely.
If needed, have a helper hold the tub while you torque the screw down.
Keep thread locker off plastic parts and any surface where it could drip into the tub.

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Step 9 Reinstall the plate cap and agitator

Align the plate-cap tabs with the wash plate so it only fits in its keyed orientation, then press until it snaps into place.
Set the 2-in-1 agitator into position on its base.
Lock the agitator by reversing the removal motion until it seats securely.
The cap should still move up and down slightly because of the spring underneath.