Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator (WP8578209)

The Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator is the tall, finned post mounted in the center of the wash tub that moves clothes through the water during the wash cycle. It twists back and forth to create the churning action that loosens dirt and detergent from fabrics, working with the motor and gearcase to clean each load.

The Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator can crack, strip, or break over time from heavy loads, overloading, or normal wear on the plastic fins and drive components. A worn or damaged agitator may no longer grip the drive shaft properly, spin freely, or move clothes effectively through the wash water.

Watch for these symptoms to help determine if the agitator is the source of your washing machine problem:

- Agitator spins freely in one or both directions without moving clothes

- Visible cracks, breaks, or missing fins on the agitator body

- Clothes come out still dirty or unevenly washed after a full cycle

- Agitator wobbles, sits unevenly, or feels loose on the drive shaft

- Loud clunking or rattling noise coming from the center of the tub during washing

- Agitator does not move at all while the motor and tub appear to run normally