How to replace Whirlpool washer agitator dogs 80040 (with video!)

Is your Whirlpool washer leaving clothes unclean or making strange noises? The hidden culprit could be worn-out agitator dogs, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Scroll down for a step-by-step video that will show you how to restore your washer’s performance with just a few common tools!

The agitator dogs inside a top-load Whirlpool washer engage the agitator during the wash cycle so your washer can move your clothes to get them clean. Over time, regular use and wear can cause the agitator dogs to become damaged or worn down.

You may need to replace the agitator dogs if your washer isn’t agitating correctly, has unusual noises during the wash cycle, or your clothes aren’t coming out clean. Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your washer back in working order.

If you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool washer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What you need

• Replacement agitator dogs (make sure it’s compatible with your specific washer model before installing)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• 7/16-inch socket with ratchet and 10-inch extension

Read more:  How to replace the top agitator in a Kenmore washer

Safety precautions

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 eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• 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 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• 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.

Read more: How To Use An Agitator Repair Kit for Your Washing Machine (With Video!) – AppliancePartsPros Blog

How to replace the agitator dogs

Follow these steps to change out the agitator dogs in your Whirlpool washer so you can get back to your laundry routine.

1. Unplug the washer from the power outlet and shut off the water supply.
2. Open the washer lid and remove the fabric dispenser. You may need to pull it straight out. Other models may require lifting a lock ring before removing the dispenser.
3. If there’s a cap under the fabric dispenser, use a flathead screwdriver to pry it off.
4. Check if the dust cap seal is damaged. If it’s damaged, replace it with a new one.
5. Underneath the dust cap, find the inner agitator assembly and the hold-down bolt. Use your 7/16-inch socket to remove the bolt. It may be tight initially, so you’ll need to hold the lower agitator in place while loosening the bolt.
6. Once the bolt is free, lift the agitator out of the washer. The bolt will remain in the agitator.
7. Stand on the lower half of the agitator and pull up on the upper half to separate them.
8. Dump the upper agitator upside down to access the old agitator dogs and the cam assembly.
9. Remove the retaining bearing to free the old agitator dogs.
10. Place the new agitator dogs onto the cam assembly and make sure they’re oriented correctly. The curve of the cam should match the shape of the dogs.
11. Replace the retaining bearing.
12. Reconnect the upper and lower agitator halves by aligning the locking tabs and pressing them together.
13. Lower the assembled agitator back into the washer and make sure it fits down through the opening. If the locking tabs were removed, place the upper agitator onto the lower half.
14. Insert the agitator bolt back into place and use the 7/16-inch socket to tighten it. Hold the lower agitator with your hand to prevent it from spinning while you’re tightening it.
15. Apply a drop of liquid detergent around the edge of the dust cap to help it slide into place easily.
16. Insert the dust cap back into its position.
17. Snap the fabric dispenser back into place.
18. Double-check that everything is secure, then plug the washing machine back in or turn the circuit breaker on.
19. Run a test wash cycle to make sure the new agitator dogs are working correctly.

Read more: How to replace the agitator dogs in a Kenmore washer

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the agitator dogs in your Whirlpool washer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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