How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP3119063 / 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs

Last week I noticed that the Top Agitator wasn't working - I mentioned it to my Wife and she wasn't aware of any problems except Washing Powers not dissolving completely...I thought in my mind that it was finally time to replace our Kenmore Washer & Dryer after 25 years of service!!! I had mentioned the problem I was having with my Manager last week and he shared a simular experience he had some weeks ago...He suggested I check the 'Agitator Doge' and said that I would probably find them in-pieces!!! Well the first thing I did was perform a Google Search on the problem we were experiencing with this Washer...I came across the AppliancePartsPros.com site where there was a Video describing the repair process for the problem we were experiencing...The video was easy to follow and very through... It showed how to 'pop' the Agitator Lid and gain access to the 'Dogs'... After watching this video, I immediately went downstairs to the Laundry Area and quickly removed the Agitator Lid and found the 'Dogs' in a Thousand Pieces!!! Placed the parts order that same evening and had parts the follow evening -WOW!!! Removed the agitators as instructed in the video and had completed the repair in 30 minutes or less!!!! Happy - Happy - Happy!!! I just knew that this was the end for this Kenmore Washer and had been searching for new Washer & Dryer replacement at around $2500.00... This is the forth (4th) repair that I've done on this Washer in 25 Years and I guess at some point we'll have to say 'Good Bye' to these Monsters!!! (Door Switch, Timer Motor, Transmission & now the Agitator Dogs!!!) 

Pulled the washer apart (using your videos as a refresher) and found that the plastic coupling between the motor and the transmission had failed. Searched for parts vendors and found your site. Ordered the coupling on-line and went back down to clean up the machine. In the cleaning process I found a damaged thrust washer for the upper agitator and broken drive dogs for that same agitator. I went to the website to see if I could augment my initial order. I did not want to pay shipping costs twice. Could not find a way so called the toll-free number. Agent was very helpful and said that he could simply cancel the order and no charges would result. I could then re-order with all the correct parts I needed. So we did that. With the inspection complete, I ordered 3 parts on-line. I noticed that the site said "in stock" for all the parts and guaranteed to ship today. I had asked the agent when I called if they ship on Saturday and he said no, it would go out on Monday. I expected that, so no disappointment. On Monday I checked the status of the order and it said "shipping soon" . About 4pm that day I checked again and it still said "shipping soon". So, I opened an on-line chat with Customer Service. The rep checked the order, said it had been picked and packed and would most likely ship at the end of the day. The next day, I checked status of the order and it did indeed ship the day before and according to the FEDEX tracking page, was already on the truck for delivery to my house. To my amazement, the parts arrived at my house at 2:30pm that day! I reviewed the installation videos for the three parts, followed the tips given in the videos and the washer was back together in about a half hour and running as good as new. Very happy with the service, shipping, videos and overall support from AppliancePartsPros.com. If I had to complain about something, I would say that I thought that shipping costs, which are basically flat rate, are a bit high if you only need to order one small part. But when you look at the big picture, the parts and shipping cost me $25.00 and I could not have gotten a repair tech to even answer the phone for that amount. I'm very pleased and satisfied. 

Entered model # in the search box, looked up a list of symptoms and concluded the problem between the motor and transmission. Looked at repair videos, removed the motor/transmission according to the video, and found the motor-transmission coupling broken. In disassembling the washer found it needed additional parts: agitator dogs and filter plugs While waiting for parts removed inner tub, (just like in the video) used a small pipe wrench and rubber mallet to remove the spanner nut and lifted out the inner tub. Removed old washer filter from the bottom by detaching tabs from inside of the center tube (not easy) and found rust between the plastic filter and metal tub (probably the reason that type of filter was discontinued) Cleaned outer tub and agitator parts with hose and brush. Unlike the original coupling which was all plastic, the replacement coupling has a metal insert. When first installed coupling didn't slip far enough onto the two shafts so when the motor was installed, clips were difficult to attach and when I managed, the motor shaft wouldn't turn. Removed the motor and gently drove the coupling parts onto the motor shaft and transmission shaft with a punch and rubber hammer (apply punch to metal, not plastic, socket might work better). Move the couplings to the full length of the flats on the shafts. Then reinstalled the pump and clips. Originally installed the motor was backward so electrical connections and pump hoses did not match. No problem, detach the motor clips and turn it 180 degrees and reinstall the clips. Cleaned the transmission shaft and coated it lightly with new grease, slid it back into the center hole, but had to shake and tap it some to get the transmission mounts aligned and seated, then reinstalled the bolts. Reattached electrical connections (don't forget capacitor wires) and reattached hoses to the pump. Re-installed agitator parts exactly like the video. Lost the agitator bolt although somehow I kept the rubber washer. Got a 5/16-24 x 1" flange head cap screw from Advance Auto (4 for about $4.50). Whole job more involved than I expected, but the videos described it perfectly. The washer was definitely worth fixing. 

This was super simple. It took me longer to write these instructions than to do the repair. 1. Remove fabric softener dispenser, by sliding the teal lock ring upwards and then lifting the dispenser up and away. 2. Remove the cap from the agitator ratchet assembly by using a flat head screwdriver in the provided slot. You may have to rotate the agitator to find the slot on its top edge. Pry the top off like you would the lid of a paint can. 3. Look down inside the assembly and see the bolt. Remove the bolt, and its rubber washer. My model required a 7/16" socket to do this. You will also need a socket extender. Hold the lower agitator to prevent it rotating as you loosen. 4. Lift the agitator ratchet assembly away. Notice the two plastic tabs adjacent to the bolt head. You will need to line the ratchet assembly up with these when you re-install it. 5. Slide the black plastic dog capture ring up and off the agitator assembly. Notice that the black ring has tabs that follow alignment grooves in outer agitator ratchet assembly body. 6. Swap in the new dogs one by one aligning them the same as the old dogs. My older dogs were a slightly different color so it was easy to tell the old from the new. 7. Replace black plastic agitator dog capture ring. Slide it back down into place. 8. Install the agitator ratchet assembly, lining it up with the plastic tabs mentioned in step four. 9. Replace the bolt and its rubber washer. Hand tighten firmly. You want it to just start compressing the washer. Hold the lower agitator to prevent it from rotating as you tighten. 10. Replace the Cap, from step two, making sure it is pushed flush all the way around. 11. install the fabric softener dispenser, by setting it on top, and then pushing its lock ring down. 12. Test the unit by rotating the entire agitator back and forth. You will notice that the dogs release one way and catch the other. 

Remove softener dispenser, take loose one 7/16 bolt, remove upper agitator, remove sleeve/collar take out old doggies put in new ones. Assemble in reverse order. 

Replaced 4 of the suspension springs with new brackets. I looked up my washer, looked at the diagrams, watched your video which made things a lot easier! Took the washer apart, found the problem, ordered the parts from you and the washer was put back together and working within 3 days! Love your website! This is also the second time we have used your website and were extremely happy both times! Saved us a lot of money! 

My parents have the older 80 series washer and dryer that gets used way more than a consumer washer and dryer was ever meant to be used. The washing machine finally said im tired. During the spin cycle it was making a really loud squealing noise and during the agitation cycle it would barely agitate the clothes. So i ordered the basket drive to get rid of the squealing during spin cycle and noticed the dogs on the cams were warn and werent grabbing so ordered the whole cam kit to be safe and some extra dogs for the future. Now it agitates the clothes like a new washing machine and no squealing. The clutch and the coupler i order and replaced just to be safe because it seems to be a common part that goes out on these things. Parts fixed all the problems that i was initially out to fix, but when i was testing it out i noticed that sometimes it wouldnt spin the clothes dry, but if i opened the washing machine and closed it again. It would spin them dry. So apparent the cycle isnt stopping to allow the transmission to reverse and send the machine into spin. Im assuming its a timer problem, so that will be the next and last part i change and everything should be like new again. My dad is definately happy. Only spending a couple hundred bucks to fix the washing machine we have instead of spending a couple grand on new front loading washing machine and dryer like my mom would prefer. 

My 15 year old whirlpool washer top was rotting away and my wife was about to buy a new one. a 1 min search on google brought me to this site and within 5 mins found all the parts I needed, Received my order in 3 days and now we're back in business for a total cost of $159 instead of $500 to $600. Will use this site again and have told a few people already. Thanks Rob 

First I looked at the many you tube vids, and there are many. appliance parts pros pretty much shows you how to deal with the parts. I changed the brake shoes and the clutch assembly which also comes with the driver cam. I also changed the metal brake operating cam. I think that brake lockup or improper brake release was the problem that broke the plastic cam driver. This was the broken plastic part making all the ticking noise. I first changed the coupling on the motor but that wasn't bad. in trying to get the pump off, I damaged the front seal and it started to leak. so back to appliance part pros for a pump. Service and delivery was fast and customer service responsive and courteous. I also purchased some dogs to repair the agitator and everything went accordingly to the vid. also buy the spanner wrench, makes things easy. Cleaning everything up before re-assembly is the hardest and most time consuming part. But washer looks and runs good for now. Also be prepared to have to replace hoses or hose washers and possibly shut off valve washers too. 

I WATCHED YOUR VIDEO ON HOW TO TAKE OUT THE AGITATOR ...I TOOK MY TIME FOLLOWED IT STEP BY STEP,,,,REMOVED THE OLD DOG AGITS REPLACED THEM WITH THE NEW ONES ...REASSEMBLED THE AGITATOR STEP BY STEP ,,,,,TOOK MY TIME ,,,NOW IT WORKS LIKE A CHARM ,,, THANKS APPLIANCEPARTSPROS,,YOU MADE IT A SIMPLE FIX , THANKS PAUL