All,
I have a 5 YO Hotpoint wlw3310b washing machine. A few weeks ago it starting squeaking in the wash cycle, then the agitator stopped working altogether. I pulled the agitator and noticed the plastic up in the shaft was stripped. There may also be some wear on the slots on the shaft (the metal pole which spins the agitator. If i push down on the agititor (with the kill switch bypassed) it works again.
Its an old machine. Are there some easy quick fixes to increase the friction between the agitator and the pole it sits on? Perhaps a carefully placed nut and bolt(least desirable)? Or perhaps epoxy, electrical tape, rubber bands, O-Rings, or other things to increase friction between the agitator and the shaft? I see I can replace the agititor for $50 or so online, are there generic versions to buy at Home Depot?
I am about to embark on a trial and error mission, but wanted to appeal to the experts first to make sure i don't do something stupid.
Thank You....