How to replace the lower agitator in a Kenmore washer

Steven E / Thursday March 21, 2024

Is your Kenmore washer refusing to agitate? You might need to swap out the lower agitator. If that’s the case, we’ve got all the info you need in this guide so you can replace it yourself, sans a technician.

If you need a new lower agitator for your Kenmore washer, you can use your model number to find what you need at AppliancePartsPros.com. We also have thousands of free DIY troubleshooting and repair guides to help you fix your washer yourself.

Let’s break down the process so you can get your washer back up to speed.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Contents hide

I How to replace the lower agitator in a Kenmore washer

I.I What you need

I.II Safety tips

I.III How to replace the lower agitator

I.IV More information

I.IV.I Share this entry

What you need

7/16 socket and extension
Pliers
Replacement lower agitator (make sure it’s compatible with your model BEFORE installing)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety tips

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.