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When the tub spins, the agitator spins slowly with it for a few seconds and then there is a grinding noise, the agitator stops for a second and then it starts moving again and the process repeats itself. Any ideas? Thanks!
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Faulty cam in the gearcase allowing the agitator gear to partially engage during spin. If you have good mechanical skills and experience, parts are available to repair it, otherwise, replace the gearcase. Eric
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Thanks for your reply. I've removed and opened the gearcase. When the driveshaft (that the coupler is on) spins counterclockwise, the agitator shaft turns back and forth. When the driveshaft spins clockwise (to turn the tub), the agitator shaft goes into a cycle of turning clockwise about a half turn and pausing. What is the agitator shaft supposed to be doing at this time? How can I tell which is the faulty cam? Is there only one cam in the gearcase? thanks
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Rank: Advanced Member
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When in spin direction, movement of the agitator shaft is only due to incidental friction between the spin pinion gear and the shaft that the pinion fits over as well as friction between the agitator gear and agitator shaft. The agitate gear is moved back and forth by the rack even during spin mode but the splines on the inside of the agitator gear are not engaged with the splines on the agitator shaft. The cam consists of two parts, the cam and cam follower. See photo below. The cam follower remains stationary while the cam is rotated a few degrees in one direction or the other by the shifter depending if your in spin or agitate. There are three ramps on the cam and three on the cam follower. When in spin mode the cam is turned such that the ramps cause the cam follower to push up on the agitate gear against spring pressure of the spring above it. In this position, the internal splines of the gear are not engaged with the splines of the shaft. In agitate, the cam is turned such that the ramps allow the spring to push down on the agitate gear engaging it with the splines on the shaft. The ramps on the cam parts can wear down causing the gear to not fully release from the splines. Eric  
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Thank you very much for the very detailed explanation of the inner workings and what might be causing the problem. I've taken out the shaft with the cam and cam follower on it. When they are close together, the agitate gear is fully engaged as it should be. When i rotate them so they are in the spread position, the shaft rotates smoothly for a bit but then it seems to catch a little on the splines on the shaft as it vibrates slightly and you can hear some faint clicks. Then it rotates smoothly again for a bit, catches slightly a bit and so on. This seems that your diagnosis is correct and i need to replace the cam and follower?
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