Agitator I have a Whirlpool Ultimate Care Heavy Duty Super Capacity Plus wash machine. The problem is with the agitator. It works with smaller loads but not with larger ones. Any suggestions on where to get started?

Richard Roth

• 9472 Answers
• Posted on Mar 21, 2011

SOURCE: My whirlpool ultimate Care II Heavy Duty Super

The motor coupler may be broken. Many Whirlpool®-manufactured washers use a small, relatively inexpensive motor coupling. It's plastic and rubber and is mounted to the shaft of the motor on one side, and to the transmission on the other. Over time, the coupler wears out and fails. You may need to replace it.

SOURCE: Whirlpool Ultimate Care Heavy Duty Washer will not spin

It sounds like you have a broken motor coupling. This is a very inexpensive and simple repair.

If the washer will fill and drain, but won't agitate or spin, you may have a broken motor coupling. The noise of the motor engaging, lack of agitation and ability to still drain are the usual symptoms. This is a common fail item with this model washer through normal wear and tear. Newer versions of the coupler are more resilient and resist breaking. The following link explains how to replace one:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r385252-replacing_motor_coupling_whirlpool_top
The motor coupling is located between the drive motor and the transmission and takes the place of a drive belt. They do wear out and can break. The replacement part number is included in the link I provided and is an improved upgraded coupling that is more resilient. It should last longer. If you have questions, or require additional assistance, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

A replacement coupler can be purchased on line at appliancepartspros.com for about $11. Just use the part number in the link and "Search by Part Number" for your search criteria.