Roper Washer Agitator Dogs Worn or Broken – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
Agitator dogs (also called directional cogs) are small plastic pawl pieces inside the top agitator that allow it to ratchet one way and lock the other. Over time the plastic teeth shear or wear down from normal use, lint, or heavy loads. When the dogs fail the agitator will not engage on the return stroke and the washer will not agitate clothes properly even though the basket spins. On Roper washers (manufactured on Whirlpool platforms), worn or broken agitator dogs are a very common failure for older top-load machines. Replacing the dogs is usually a low-cost repair — you remove the agitator, inspect the dogs and cam, and replace the small plastic pieces or the entire agitator repair kit. If ignored, continued operation can also damage the agitator cam or the transmission spline, increasing repair cost.
Common Symptoms
Agitator spins freely or slips during agitation, poor cleaning, clothes tumbling instead of being agitated, unusual grinding or clicking sounds from the agitator area.
Common Causes
- Plastic teeth on the agitator dogs have worn or broken from normal use
- Foreign objects, lint or hardened detergent buildup preventing dogs from engaging
- Damaged agitator cam or stripped drive spline allowing slippage (secondary damage)
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
To confirm dogs are the problem, remove the fabric softener cap and the upper agitator, then inspect the small plastic pawls around the base of the upper agitator: if the teeth are rounded, missing or the spring/retainer is broken, the dogs need replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I replace agitator dogs on my Roper washer?
Basic steps: unplug the washer and turn off water if necessary. Remove the fabric softener cap (if present) and the bolt holding the upper agitator (usually under the cap). Pull the upper agitator straight up (may need a few firm tugs or a block of wood for leverage). Remove the old dogs from the agitator cam or base, clean the area of debris, install the new dog pieces and spring/retainer per kit instructions, re-seat the upper agitator and tighten the bolt. Test on a short cycle. If the upper agitator is cracked or the cam is damaged, replace the entire agitator assembly.
Can I keep using the washer with bad agitator dogs?
You can run it short-term, but performance will be poor — clothes won’t get cleaned properly and the slipping can eventually damage the agitator cam or transmission spline, leading to a more expensive repair. It’s best to replace the dogs promptly; the part is inexpensive and the DIY replacement is straightforward for most owners.
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