The agitator is a critical part of any front-load Maytag washer. It functions as the primary agitator, moving clothes in a circular motion to help remove stains and dirt from your clothing. If you’re having issues with your Maytag washer, and you can’t seem to find a solution online, removing the agitator might be the perfect solution for you. That being said, how do you go about removing the agitator from a Maytag washer? The process isn’t very difficult…but it might require some strength! You’ll also want to make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and safety equipment before getting started. Let’s take a look at what you need and how to remove the agitator from your Maytag washer.
How To Remove The Agitator From A Maytag Washer
Check The Drain Hose
The first thing you should do when your agitator won’t spin is checked the drain hose. There are two hoses on a Maytag wringer washer: one for the water supply, and one for the drain. If the drain hose is clogged, your agitator will not spin. If the drain hose is clogged with fabric softener, detergent buildup, or other debris, your washer will not drain. When this happens, the water in your washer will rise above the level of the agitator. This causes the agitator to lock and jam. To correct this issue, you will need to clean out the drain hose with a wire brush or pliers.
Replace The Agitator Shaft O-Ring
The agitator shaft o-ring is a rubber seal that fits around the shaft of your agitator. Over time, it may become worn and need to be replaced. If your agitator shaft seal is worn, cracked, or broken, it won’t sit properly on the inside of the agitator coupling. This causes the agitator to become jammed. Depending on the age of your machine, the shaft o-ring may be made of rubber or natural rubber. Natural rubber is more durable, but it can be difficult to find. If you have an older washer, you will need to find a rubber replacement for the shaft o-ring.
Remove The Agitator Shaft Seal
If your rubber agitator shaft seal is still in good condition, you may be able to remove it from the agitator shaft and use it again. Be careful when you remove the old seal, as it may be wedged tightly into place. You can often loosen the shaft seal with a pair of pliers. If your shaft seal is worn, cracked, or broken, you will need to replace it. You can find new shaft seals online or at your local hardware store.
Disconnect The Agitator Drive Shaft
If you’ve exhausted all other options and your agitator is still stuck, you will need to remove it completely. Removing the agitator drive shaft will release the agitator from the drive belt. You will need to turn off the power to the machine before you begin this process. To remove the agitator drive shaft, use a wrench to turn the drive shaft nut counterclockwise. You will hear the agitator release. Remove the nut and the washer belt.
Installing A New Agitator Shaft Seal
If you removed the broken agitator, you will need to install a new one. New agitators can be purchased online or at your local hardware store. Before you install your new agitator, you will need to install a new shaft seal. To install a new shaft seal, place the seal on the inside of the agitator. The smooth side of the seal should face the agitator. Install the agitator into the machine and tighten the nut with a wrench.
What You’ll Need?
When removing the agitator from a Maytag washer, you’ll need a few tools and supplies. To make the process go smoothly, here are what you’ll want to have on hand: –
- Screwdrivers: You’ll need a couple of different screwdrivers to remove the agitator from your Maytag washer. Make sure that they’re the right size, and that they’re clean.
- Wrench: If you’re having trouble loosening or tightening the bolt holding the agitator in place, you may want to use a wrench.
- Safety Equipment: You’ll want to wear eye protection and gloves when removing the agitator from a Maytag washer. The agitator can get pretty hot, so you’ll definitely want to make sure your hands are protected!
Why You Should Remove The Agitator?
Washing Machine Agitator
The first thing we will talk about is the agitator. The agitator is basically the central rotating mechanism inside the washing machine and is used for agitating the clothes during the wash cycle. The agitator is a standard feature in almost all top-loading washing machines, but there are also some front-loading washing machines that come with an agitator as well. The main function of the agitator is to mix the laundry while also helping in agitation. The agitator is basically a rotating shaft that is attached to the drive of the washing machine. The shaft rotates at a high speed while the laundry is inside the drum of the washing machine during the wash cycle.
Reduce Noise
The first reason why you should remove the agitator from your washing machine is that it reduces noise. Most people don’t even notice this, but the noise from the agitator can actually get quite loud. The noise caused by the agitator is mainly due to the rotating shaft that is rotating at a high speed in order to mix the laundry. If you want to reduce the noise from your washing machine, then you should consider removing the agitator. There are many people who are extremely sensitive to noise since having a loud washer is not only annoying but also harmful to your health.
Reduce Vibration
The next reason why you should remove the agitator from your washing machine is that it reduces vibration. When the laundry is inside the drum, the agitator is responsible for the mixing of the laundry during the wash cycle. However, the agitator is also responsible for the vibration and shaking of the top-loading washing machine. This is mainly due to the spinning shaft that is attached to the drive of the washing machine. If you notice that your washing machine is shaking and vibrating while it is running, then you should check if it has an agitator or not.
Lint And Lint Trap Cleaning
The next reason why you should remove the agitator is that it makes cleaning the lint trap super easy. The agitator is responsible for the shaking of the top-loading washing machine, and this shaking movement also causes lint to be released from the lint trap. If you have an agitator on your washing machine, then you will probably have to clean the lint trap every week. On the other hand, if your washing machine does not have an agitator, then you can clean the lint trap about once every month or so.
Increase The Spin Speed Of The Washing Machine
The last reason why you should remove the agitator from your washing machine is that it increases the spin speed of the machine. The agitator is responsible for the shaking and vibrations of the washing machine during the wash cycle. But, if you remove the agitator, then the vibrations and shaking will be reduced and the washing machine will spin faster. This will reduce the cycle time by a few minutes, so it is recommended that you remove the agitator only if you have a top-loading HE washing machine.
Conclusion
The agitator is a critical part of any front-load Maytag washer. It functions as the primary agitator, moving clothes in a circular motion to help remove stains and dirt from your clothing. If you’re having issues with your Maytag washer, and you can’t seem to find a solution online, removing the agitator might be the perfect solution for you. That being said, how do you go about removing the agitator from a Maytag washer? The process isn’t very difficult…but it might require some strength.
