Top-loading GE and Hotpoint washing machines use a simple agitator. The most common problems are a bad agitator spline on older models and a bad coupler on new styles. These parts are common and easy to find; most appliance stores will stock them. The hardest part about repairing and replacing these parts is the process of removing the agitator.
Instructions
1. Remove the top cap of the agitator by hand; this will reveal a bolt deep inside of the agitator. Use the appropriate socket (usually a seven-sixteenths socket) with an extension to remove the bolt. Place the bolt to the side.
2. Pull up on the agitator to break it free from the transmission hub. You may have to pull very hard to get it to come free. Use a belt or a length of rope to grip underneath the agitator, and then lift up. The bottom of the agitator locks in with little plastic inserts on the bottom. Use the belt or rope to press in on these inserts so that they will pop free.
3. Place the agitator to the side once it is free. The agitator coupler will be a white, plastic piece in the bottom center of the tub. Use a socket and extension to remove the bolt from the top of the coupler. The coupler should now pull free. Sometimes the coupler will be stuck on the transmission hub. If this happens, you may be required to force the coupler free.
Check the coupler for worn teeth or cracks. Replace it as necessary.
4. Look in the bottom of the agitator to see the agitator spline. Replace the spline if the teeth look worn on the inside. A special puller is required to remove and replace the spline. You will have to take the agitator to an appliance repair store to replace the spline.
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