Washing machine coupling

This part can be used on Whirlpool and Maytag washing machines with broken agitators. If your washing machine's agitator is no longer working and/or rotating, this could be a super cheap (free actually!) and robust fix that is even better than the original part.

My Whirlpool washing machine (model WTW4855HW1) was no washing my clothes anymore and I has no idea why. So I looked up some YouTube videos to learn what might be causing the problem. It turns out that the agitator (the long plastic stick/tube in the middle of the wash tub) was no longer rotating and neither was the base disc (the plastic bottom of the wash tub).

On this model of washer, both the agitator and disc move together in forward and reverse, unlike some older models where only the disc rotates both ways and the agitator only rotates clockwise.

Disassembling the part in very easy and the only tool you need in a 7/16" socket (and a ratchet and extension of course). Look up "Whirlpool Washer Won't Agitate or Spin Properly" on YouTube. Note that my washer model is different, but removing the agitator and bottom disc is done the same way.

The adaptor part I designed fits underneath the bottom disc onto the splined shaft. You then put the bottom disc back over the adaptor and reassemble the agitator over it. Screw the bolt back on (at the bottom of the inside of the agitator), place the fabric softener back on top of the agitator and you're done!

Note: I strongly recommend using blue thread locker (Loctite) on the bolt threads before reassembly. This will ensure the bolt doesn't loosen over time.

FYI, changing the bottom disc and agitator costs about $250 to $300! (You're welcome!)