Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator (WP8578210)

The Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator is the central post inside the wash tub that moves clothes through the water during the wash cycle. It rotates back and forth to create the scrubbing action that loosens dirt and detergent from fabrics, working in combination with the motor and drive system to clean each load.

The Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator can crack, break, or wear down over time from the stress of heavy loads, overloading, or washing bulky items. The dogs or directional cogs inside the agitator can also strip out, causing the upper portion to spin freely without gripping and moving clothes properly.

These symptoms can help you decide if the agitator is the source of your washing machine problem:

- Clothes come out still dirty or poorly rinsed after a full wash cycle

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

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

- Loud clunking or rattling sound during the agitation cycle

- Agitator wobbles or feels loose on the drive shaft

- Upper agitator section does not move while the lower portion turns

- Laundry gets tangled or wraps around the agitator unusually often