Are all Whirlpool agitator dogs the same?

Whirlpool is one of the most popular brands of washing machines in the United States and around the world. Their washers utilize an agitator in the center of the wash drum to move clothes around during the wash cycle. This agitator has small projections called “agitator dogs” which grabs the clothes and helps move them around. So an important question many Whirlpool owners have is – are all Whirlpool agitator dogs the same or are there differences between models?

The quick answer is no, not all Whirlpool agitator dogs are the same. There are quite a few differences between agitator dog models when it comes to size, shape, number of dogs, and materials used. The specific agitator dog model depends on the washing machine model as well as the year it was manufactured.

Whirlpool Washer Agitator Dog Types

There are several common types of agitator dogs used by Whirlpool over the years. Here are the most common ones:

3-Prong Plastic Agitator Dogs

– Made of plastic with 3 prongs or projections
– Used in direct drive models from the 1980s to 2000s
– Durable but can wear out over time from mineral deposits

4-Prong Plastic Agitator Dogs

– Made of plastic with 4 prongs instead of 3
– Provide more gripping power for heavy loads
– Found in newer direct drive models after 2000

Ceramic Agitator Dogs

– Made from ceramic material
– More durable and resistant to mineral buildup
– Used in various models from 1990s to now

Metal Agitator Dogs

– Made of metal (usually aluminum)
– Very durable but can corrode over time
– Used in older models from the 1960s to 1980s

So in summary, while all Whirlpool agitator dogs serve the same purpose, their exact design and materials vary across models. The number of prongs, size, shape and material used depends on the specific washing machine model.

Differences Between Top Load and Front Load Agitator Dogs

One key difference is between agitator dogs for Whirlpool top load washing machines versus front load washing machines.

Top load washers have a vertical axis agitator in the center of the wash drum. The agitator dogs are mounted on this vertical agitator and help move clothes around during the wash cycle. They engagement the fabric directly.

Front load washers on the other hand utilize a horizontalaxis drum that spins, so there is no vertical axis agitator. The drum has projections or vanes along the inside that serve a similar function to agitator dogs in grabbing and lifting clothes. However, front load washers do not use removable or replaceable agitator dogs. The vanes are integrated into the drum.

So in summary:

• Top load washers – Separate vertical agitator with plastic or ceramic dogs
• Front load washers – No agitator, instead uses vanes along inside of drum

This key difference affects the design, replacement, and servicing of the agitator dogs.

Agitator Dog Sizes

When it comes to sizing, there are some general guidelines for matching agitator dogs to different sized washers:

Small Washer Tubs (less than 3.5 cu ft capacity):

– Agitator dogs are typically around 1 3/4 inches wide

Standard Sized Tubs (3.5 – 4.5 cu ft capacity):

– Agitator dogs are typically around 2 1/4 inches wide

Large Capacity Tubs (over 4.5 cu ft capacity):

– Agitator dogs are around 2 1/2 inches wide

However, you always want to check the manufacturer specs for your specific model to get the exact agitator dog size. The size determines how well they fit onto the agitator and function properly during the wash cycle.

Using the wrong sized agitator dog can result in improper washing performance, imbalance, and wear on parts.

Number of Agitator Dogs

The number of individual agitator dogs used depends on the design of the agitator itself:

• 3 dogs – Common on direct drive washers
• 4 dogs – Used on some direct drive and belt drive models
• 5 dogs – Typical on older vintage models
• 8 dogs – Found on very large capacity washing machines

In most cases, you’ll need to replace the agitator dogs as a complete set. The number of replacement dogs will match what originally came with your washing machine.

It’s also important not to mix and match old and new agitator dogs. For proper balance and function, all the dogs should be replaced together when worn.

Materials Used

The most common materials used for Whirlpool agitator dogs include:

Plastic – Durable but prone to wearing down over time. Modern direct drive washers use plastic.

Ceramic – Very durable and long-lasting. Resists mineral buildup. Used in many modern models.

Aluminum – Found in older models from the 60s and 70s. Durable but susceptible to corrosion.

Zinc – Another metal used in vintage models. Provides good durability.

So in summary, plastic and ceramic are the most common choices from Whirlpool in modern washers, while metal agitator dogs were used in older models.

Identifying Worn or Damaged Agitator Dogs

Here are some signs that the agitator dogs on your Whirlpool washer may be worn out and need replacing:

– Visible cracks, chips, or damage on the agitator dogs

– The plastic looks faded, warped, or deformed

– Clothes are not getting fully clean even on heavy soil cycles

– Fabric damage like tears or holes appearing on clothes

– A grinding or squeaking noise from the agitator during the wash cycle

– The washer tub becoming unbalanced and shaking during spin

– Mineral deposits built up on plastic or metal dogs

Regularly inspecting and replacing worn agitator dogs can prevent bigger problems and keep your washer functioning properly. Most agitator dog kits include full instructions for properly removing the old dogs and installing the new ones.

RV/Camper Washer Agitator Dogs

For Whirlpool washing machines intended for RVs and campers, the agitator dogs typically have a slightly different design:

– Made of durable nylon plastic instead of ABS plastic

– Feature a bullet tip shape instead of traditional prongs

– Designed specifically for off-balance situations

– Help compensate for uneven loads in a mobile environment

So special RV agitator dogs have modified shapes and materials to provide better cleaning results when washing on the go. They are designed to grip and lift clothes more effectively when loads may be off-center due to cornering or uneven terrain.

Top Load vs Front Load Agitator Dogs

The key difference between top load and front load washers when it comes to agitator dogs is:

Top Load Washers:

– Use an agitator in center of wash drum
– Agitator has removable plastic or ceramic dogs
– Dogs grab and help wash clothes during agitation

Front Load Washers:

– Do not have agitator, instead rely on tumbling
– Have vanes along inside of drum to lift clothes
– Drum vanes are fixed, not removable dogs

So agitator dogs are a serviceable part only found in top load washing machines. Front load washers do not have user replaceable agitator dogs.

Replacement Agitator Dog Options

There are a few options when it comes to replacing worn agitator dogs:

OEM Whirlpool brand – Most expensive but exact fit for your model

Third party generic dogs – Lower cost but may not be exact OEM spec

Buy a full agitator – More expensive but includes new dogs and components

3D printed dogs – Custom printed based on your model specs

In most cases, sticking with OEM Whirlpool brand agitator dogs is recommended for proper fit and washing performance. But third party or custom dogs can also work well at a lower price point in some cases.

Why Choose Genuine OEM Agitator Dogs?

Here are some benefits of using genuine OEM Whirlpool agitator dogs for your washer:

– Designed by Whirlpool engineers specifically for your model
– Correct size and specifications for your machine
– Ensures proper balance and cleaning capability
– No modifications or adjustments needed for installation
– Genuine Whirlpool parts made to strict quality control standards
– Longer life expectancy compared to generic parts
– Maintains optimal performance and reduces breakdowns
– Safer for your clothes than damaged or worn agitator dogs

While OEM parts are usually more expensive than generic, they are worth investing in for the quality, durability, and proper fit they provide.

How to Find The Right Replacement Dogs

To find the correct replacement agitator dogs for your Whirlpool washer model, always start by checking the model number plate. This can usually be found inside the door opening or along the inside rim.

The model number provides key information for identifying the right agitator dog part number needed.

Then check an official Whirlpool parts lookup site and enter your full model number. This will provide the exact OEM part number.

Armed with the correct part number, you can then order through your appliance parts supplier.

Aftermarket agitator dogs may cross-reference with multiple models. But to get the OEM dogs matched to your specific machine, always look up by genuine model number rather than trying to eyeball a fit.

Installing Replacement Agitator Dogs

Once you have the correct new agitator dogs, follow these general steps for installation:

1. Unplug the washer from power source

2. Remove old agitator dogs by compressing the locking tabs and sliding off of agitator post

3. Compare new and old dogs to ensure correct size and fit

4. Clean mineral deposits off the agitator post using vinegar

5. Slide new dogs into place aligning locking tabs

6. Press down firmly until tabs click into locked position

7. Test to ensure dogs have locked by trying to pull straight up without depressing tab

8. Confirm proper basket balance by rotating basket manually

9. Restore power and run washer through test cycle

Always refer to your specific model’s service manual for detailed disassembly and installation instructions. With the proper agitator dogs installed, your washer should run smoothly for years to come!

Troubleshooting Problems After Replacing Dogs

If you still experience issues with your Whirlpool washer after replacing worn agitator dogs, here are some things to check:

Dogs not fitting correctly: Double check model number to confirm you have the proper OEM dogs for your model. Look for cracks or damage preventing proper fit.

Noise during agitation: Make sure dogs are fully snapped in place. Remove dogs and clean mineral buildup off posts. Replace worn agitator components.

Rough operation: Check drive belt condition and inspect transmission. Replace any worn bearings or seals.

Leaking: Ensure seal between agitator post and tub is still intact. Check hoses and inlet valves for leaks.

Unbalanced loads: Confirm even distribution of clothes in basket before starting cycle. The new dogs may need a break-in period.

Thoroughly inspecting the entire agitator mechanism is wise when replacing dogs to spot potential problems early. Getting the correct OEM dogs and professional installation is key to smooth, quiet performance.

Conclusion

In summary, while all agitator dogs perform the same function, Whirlpool uses different designs across their many washing machine models. Key differences include:

– Number of dogs on the agitator

– Shape and size based on tub capacity

– Materials such as plastic, ceramic or metal

– Special designs optimized for RVs and campers

Always check the manufacturer specs for your particular model to identify the correct replacement agitator dogs needed. Properly fitting OEM dogs ensure your clothes get clean while minimizing wear for smooth, quiet washing. With periodic inspection and replacement of worn agitator dogs, your Whirlpool top load washer will keep running great for years to come.