In the heart of your Maytag washer, the agitator stands as the tireless workhorse responsible for scrubbing away dirt and grime from your clothes. However, when maintenance beckons or upgrades call, removing the agitator becomes a necessary task. Whether you’re tackling a DIY repair or simply seeking a deeper clean, understanding how to remove an agitator from a Maytag washer is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, empowering you to restore your washer’s efficiency and keep your laundry sparkling.
Before embarking on the removal process, it’s essential to gather the necessary tools. A sturdy screwdriver, a pair of adjustable pliers, and a cap wrench should suffice for most Maytag washer models. Make certain that the washer is disconnected from the power source and the water supply to ensure your safety. With these preparations in place, you can proceed to the next step, which involves removing the agitator cap.
Locate the agitator cap at the top of the agitator and use the screwdriver to carefully pry it loose. Once the cap is removed, you’ll be able to access the bolt securing the agitator to the transmission shaft. Employ the adjustable pliers to loosen the bolt by turning it counterclockwise. Once the bolt is loosened, you can lift the agitator straight up and out of the washer. Handle the agitator with care during removal to prevent damage to yourself or the appliance.
Identifying the Washer Model
To begin the process of removing the agitator from your Maytag washer, it is crucial to accurately identify the model of your washer. This step is essential as different Maytag washer models have varying designs and disassembly procedures for the agitator. To determine the model number of your washer, follow these detailed steps:
Locating the Model Number Tag
Locate the model number tag on the washer. This tag is typically a silver or white label attached to the back or side of the washer. The tag contains the model number, serial number, and other relevant information about your washer.
Reading the Model Number
Read the model number on the tag. The model number is typically a combination of letters and numbers, such as “MVWB855DW0.” The first two letters of the model number indicate the brand of the washer, in this case, “MV” stands for “Maytag.” The following characters represent the specific model and its features.
Using the Model Number to Find Disassembly Instructions
Once you have the model number, you can use it to find specific disassembly instructions for your Maytag washer. You can refer to the user manual that came with your washer or search for online resources that provide step-by-step instructions based on the model number.
Disconnecting Power and Water
Turning Off the Power
Before touching any electrical components, it’s critical to ensure safety by disconnecting the washer from its power source. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse box that controls the washer’s electricity and switch it off. Additionally, unplug the washer from the electrical outlet to eliminate any lingering power potential.
Shutting Off the Water Supply
Identifying the Water Shut-Off Valves
Locate the water shut-off valves for both the hot and cold water lines running to the washer. These valves are usually found near the base of the washer, behind or below the appliance. They may be labeled as “hot” and “cold” or have colored handles (red for hot, blue for cold).
Turning Off the Valves
Slowly turn the water shut-off valves clockwise until they are fully closed. You should feel resistance as you turn the valves. Once closed, the water supply to the washer will be completely shut off.
| Valve Color | Water Type |
|---|---|
|
Red |
Hot |
|
Blue |
Cold |
Removing the Console
After disconnecting the washer, removing the top panel, and locating the agitator, you need to detach the console panel. This process involves several steps:
1. Disconnect the Wires
Locate the wiring harness connected to the console. Gently disconnect each wire by pressing the release tab or squeezing the connector. Keep track of which wire goes where for easy reassembly.
2. Remove the Screws
Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the console to the washer frame. Typically, there are two screws at the top and two at the bottom of the console.
3. Detach the Console
Once the wires are disconnected and the screws are removed, you can carefully detach the console from the washer body. Grab the console by both sides and pull it straight up and away from the frame. Avoid prying or twisting, as it can damage the console or its components.
| Tools Required | Steps |
|---|---|
| Phillips head screwdriver | Remove the screws securing the console to the washer frame. |
| Hands | Carefully detach the console from the washer body by pulling it straight up and away from the frame. |
Removing the Top Panel
1. Unplug the washer and turn off the water supply.
2. Locate the two screws on the back of the washer that hold the top panel in place. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.
3. Lift the top panel up and off the washer. Be careful not to damage the wires or hoses that are attached to the panel.
4. Locate the agitator cap on the center of the agitator. Use a screwdriver to remove the cap.
5. Grasp the agitator and pull it straight up and out of the washer. Be careful not to damage the agitator or the washer.
Additional Notes for Removing the Agitator:
- If the agitator is stuck, you can try using a pair of pliers to gently pry it loose.
- If the agitator is still stuck, you may need to remove the agitator shaft from the bottom of the washer. To do this, locate the bolt that holds the agitator shaft in place and remove it using a wrench.
- Once the agitator shaft is removed, you will be able to pull the agitator up and out of the washer.
Locating the Agitator Bolt
Locate the bolt holding the agitator in place. The bolt is typically found in the center of the agitator cap. It may be covered by a plastic cap or a metal cover. If there is a plastic cap, pry it off with a screwdriver. If there is a metal cover, remove it with a wrench.
Identifying Bolt Appearance
The agitator bolt is typically a large, hexagonal bolt. It may be made of metal or plastic. The bolt head may have a slot for a screwdriver or a hole for a wrench.
Searching for Bolt Inside Deep Agitator
If the agitator is deep, you may need to use a flashlight to locate the bolt. Shine the flashlight into the center of the agitator and look for the bolt head.
Locating Bolt Underneath Agitator
On some Maytag washers, the agitator bolt is located underneath the agitator. To access the bolt, you will need to remove the agitator. Refer to the section below on “Removing the Agitator” for instructions.
Bolt Not Visible
If you cannot find the agitator bolt, consult the Maytag washer manual or contact Maytag customer service for assistance.
| Bolt Appearance | Bolt Location |
|---|---|
| Hexagonal bolt | Center of agitator cap |
| Metal or plastic | Inside deep agitator (may require flashlight to locate) |
| Slot for screwdriver or hole for wrench | Underneath agitator (some Maytag models) |
Unscrewing the Agitator Bolt
The agitator bolt is usually located in the center of the agitator. It may be hidden beneath a cap or cover. If so, use a screwdriver to remove the cap or cover.
Once the bolt is exposed, use a socket wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen it. Be careful not to overtighten the bolt, as this could damage the washer.
If the bolt is rusted or seized, you may need to use a penetrating oil to loosen it. Apply the oil to the bolt and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to loosen it again.
Once the bolt is loose, remove it by hand.
Tips for Removing a Rusted or Seized Agitator Bolt
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a penetrating oil | Apply penetrating oil to the bolt and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to loosen it. |
| Use a heat gun | Heat the bolt with a heat gun to loosen the rust and make it easier to remove. |
| Use a chisel | Use a chisel to break the rust bond between the bolt and the agitator. |
| Use a hammer | Tap the bolt with a hammer to loosen the rust and make it easier to remove. |
Lifting and Removing the Agitator
1. Unplug the washer
Before you start working on the washer, always unplug it from the power outlet. This will help prevent any electrical shock or injury.
2. Remove the top cover
The top cover of the washer is usually held in place by a few screws. Remove these screws and lift the top cover off the washer.
3. Locate the agitator
The agitator is the large, plastic piece in the center of the washer tub. It is used to agitate the clothes during the wash cycle.
4. Remove the agitator cap
The agitator cap is the small, plastic piece that covers the top of the agitator. It is usually held in place by a few screws. Remove these screws and lift the agitator cap off the agitator.
5. Remove the agitator bolt
The agitator bolt is the large bolt that holds the agitator in place. It is located in the center of the agitator. Use a wrench to remove the agitator bolt.
6. Lift the agitator
Once the agitator bolt is removed, you can lift the agitator out of the washer tub. Be careful not to drop the agitator, as it is heavy.
7. Remove the agitator dogs
The agitator dogs are the small, plastic pieces that attach the agitator to the transmission. Use a screwdriver to remove the agitator dogs from the agitator.
| Tools needed | Materials needed |
|---|---|
| Wrench | None |
| Screwdriver | None |
1. Unplug the Washer and Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you begin, ensure the washer is disconnected from the power source and the water supply is turned off. Locate the water supply valves behind the washer and turn them clockwise to close them.
2. Remove the Fabric Softener Dispenser
Locate the fabric softener dispenser at the top of the agitator. Gently pull it straight up to remove it.
3. Remove the Agitator Cap
There should be a plastic cap on top of the agitator. Remove it by gently pulling it straight up.
4. Remove the Bolt
Beneath the cap, you will find a bolt that secures the agitator. Use a socket wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the bolt.
5. Pull Out the Agitator
Once the bolt is removed, grasp the agitator firmly and pull it straight up to remove it from the washer.
6. Cleaning the Agitator
Use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean the agitator. Scrub it with a soft cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or residue. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it air dry.
7. Cleaning the Washer
Remove any remaining fabric softener or bleach residue from the washer tub using a cloth or sponge. Run a hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar to sanitize the washer.
8. Reinstalling the Agitator
Place the agitator back into the washer and secure it with the bolt. Tighten the bolt securely using the wrench.
| Replace the agitator cap. | Replace the fabric softener dispenser. |
| Plug in the washer. | Turn on the water supply. |
Removing the Agitator
1. Shut off the washer and unplug it from the power outlet.
2. Remove the agitator cap by gently prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver.
3. Use a wrench to loosen the agitator bolt, located at the bottom of the agitator.
4. Carefully lift the agitator straight up and out of the washer.
Replacing the Removed Parts
5. To replace the agitator, simply reverse the steps above. Make sure to tighten the agitator bolt securely.
6. Replace the agitator cap by snapping it back into place.
7. Plug the washer back into the power outlet and turn it on to test the agitator.
Troubleshooting
8. If the agitator is still not working, there may be a problem with the agitator motor or the transmission. You will need to contact a qualified appliance repair technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
Preventing Future Problems
9. To prevent future problems with your Maytag washer agitator, it is important to:
| Avoid overloading the washer. | Use the correct amount of detergent. | Clean the washer regularly. | Call a qualified appliance repair technician for any service or repairs. |
|---|
Safety Precautions
Before starting any work on your washing machine, it is important to take some safety precautions to avoid injury or damage to the appliance. First, unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet. Then, turn off the water supply to the machine. Finally, put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and chemicals.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble removing the agitator from your Maytag washer, there are a few things you can try. First, check to make sure that the wash cycle is complete. The agitator will not unlock if the cycle is still running. Second, try turning the agitator back and forth. This may help to loosen it up and make it easier to remove. Finally, if you are still unable to remove the agitator, you may need to call a qualified appliance repair technician.
10. How to Clean the Agitator
Once you have removed the agitator, it is important to clean it thoroughly before reinstalling it. To clean the agitator, use a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse the agitator well with clean water and dry it completely before reinstalling it. If the agitator is very dirty, you may need to soak it in a solution of water and vinegar for several hours to remove all of the dirt and grime.
By following these steps, you can safely remove the agitator from your Maytag washer and clean it thoroughly. If you are having any trouble removing the agitator, be sure to call a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.
How To Remove Agitator From Maytag Washer
To remove the agitator from a Maytag washer, you will need a 5/16-inch socket wrench and a flat-head screwdriver.
Follow the steps below to safely remove the agitator:
- Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
- Turn off the water supply to the washer.
- Remove the two 5/16-inch bolts that secure the agitator to the transmission.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the agitator loose from the transmission.
- Once the agitator is loose, lift it straight up and out of the washer.
If you are having difficulty removing the agitator, there may be a small plastic clip that is holding it in place. Use a flat-head screwdriver to release the clip and then lift the agitator out.
People also ask about How To Remove Agitator From Maytag Washer
How do I remove the center agitator from a Maytag washer?
To remove the center agitator from a Maytag washer, you will need a 5/16-inch socket wrench and a flat-head screwdriver. Follow the steps below :
- Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
- Turn off the water supply to the washer.
- Remove the two 5/16-inch bolts that secure the agitator to the transmission.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the agitator loose from the transmission.
- Once the agitator is loose, lift it straight up and out of the washer.
How do I take the agitator out of a Maytag Centennial washer?
To remove the agitator from a Maytag Centennial washer, you will need a 7/16-inch socket wrench and a flat-head screwdriver. Follow the steps below :
- Unplug the washer from the electrical outlet.
- Turn off the water supply to the washer.
- Remove the two 7/16-inch bolts that secure the agitator to the transmission.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the agitator loose from the transmission.
- Once the agitator is loose, lift it straight up and out of the washer.
Is it difficult to remove a Maytag washer agitator?
Removing a Maytag washer agitator is not a difficult task. It can be done in about 15 minutes with the right tools.
