Should a washer agitator spin freely?

In a properly functioning dual-action top-load washing machine agitator, the top portion should spin freely in only one direction while ratcheting or locking when turned in the opposite direction. The top cap contains internal plastic teeth called agitator dogs (or cams) that allow the upper fins to grip and sweep clothes downward during the agitation stroke while releasing on the return stroke. However, if the top of the agitator spins completely freely and smoothly in both directions with no resistance or clicking sound, it indicates that the internal plastic drive dogs have worn down and stripped completely. When this happens, the agitator fails to churn or circulate the laundry effectively, requiring an inexpensive and straightforward replacement of the internal cam kit to restore proper washing performance.

In most traditional dual-action top-load washing machines, the top portion of the agitator should spin freely in only one direction (ratcheting as you turn it) while locking when turned in the opposite direction, due to internal plastic cam dogs. However, the bottom portion of the agitator and the entire single-piece agitator shaft should never spin freely by hand, as they are locked directly to the transmission gears. If the entire agitator spins loosely in both directions, the internal drive dogs are worn out and need replacement.