During the wash cycle, it makes a clunking noise - not a heavy clunking noise, but like gears are slipping. The agitator seems to be working ok so far.

I looked underneath it to see if something obvious might pop out, but it's pretty basic - just a cast iron transmission (I'm guessing) and an electric motor.

I was hoping I could get some suggestions here before I go tearing into it.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

There are two parts to the agitator. The top-most part is about 3" deep, it' the part the fabric softener goes into. It spins and pops right off.

The second part is the agitator itself. Foot and a half maybe. I can spin that back and forth by hand when the machine is off.

Where are these paws and how tough are they to replace? I'm guessing I have to get to it from underneath.

Thanks for your reply, Rich.

Ok, I'm figuring this out as I go along.

The agitator is a single piece (not including the fabric softener thingy). I think these paws or dogs are for the two-piece agitators and not the solution I'm looking for.

Could it be in the transmission and if so, should I just keep running it until it breaks altogether or should I rip it apart to find the problem? A guy down the street can get me a rebuilt transmission for around sixty bucks, but if it's doable, I might just try to replace whatever part is broken.

Thanks again.