Whirlpool washer makes grinding noise and agitator won't move

General
1

Please make sure to click on General above and select the correct appliance type first.

Brand:Whirlpool Gold
Model Number:LSB6500PW1
Main Symptom:Grinding noise
What happens & when:Grinding noise after the water fills up, agitator doesn’t move.

Error Code (if any):
Parts or tests already tried:
Photos / video link:

2

Whirlpool LSB6500PW1 Agitator Test & Replacement Guide

Thanks for the question! Before pulling the agitator apart, let’s do a couple quick tests. A minute of diagnosis can save replacing parts that aren’t actually bad.

Step 1: Does the Washer Spin Normally?

Run the washer into the spin cycle.

If the washer spins normally but won’t agitate:

  • The motor coupling is probably okay.

  • Continue with the agitator tests below.

If the washer does NOT spin and does NOT agitate:

  • Suspect a failed motor coupling.

  • The motor coupling connects the motor to the transmission and is a common wear item on Whirlpool direct-drive washers.

  • Inspect and replace the motor coupling before replacing agitator parts.

Step 2: Test the Agitator

Open the lid and grab the upper portion of the agitator.

Test the Upper Agitator

Try turning the upper agitator by hand.

Normal:

  • Turns fairly easily in one direction.

  • Grabs and resists in the opposite direction.

If it spins freely both ways:

  • The agitator dogs are worn out.

  • This is the most common agitator failure.

Test the Lower Agitator

Grab the lower agitator and check for looseness.

Normal:

  • Feels firmly attached.

  • Very little wobble.

Possible Problems:

  • Loose center bolt

  • Cracked agitator

  • Stripped agitator splines

Step 3: Watch the Agitator During Wash

Run a wash cycle with a few towels and observe.

Upper Agitator Doesn’t Pull Clothes Down

  • Most likely worn agitator dogs.

  • Replace the dogs or upper agitator assembly.

Lower Agitator Does Not Move

Ask yourself:

Does the washer spin normally?

YES — Washer spins normally

  • Suspect a worn or failed transmission.

  • The motor coupling and drive system are obviously transferring power during spin, so the transmission’s agitation mechanism is the likely culprit.

NO — Washer does not spin either

  • Suspect a failed motor coupling.

  • A broken coupling commonly causes both no-spin and no-agitate complaints.

Agitator Wobbles or Feels Loose

  • Check the agitator retaining bolt.

  • Inspect for stripped splines or a cracked agitator base.

Step 4: Remove the Agitator Assembly

Remove the Fabric Softener Dispenser

Pull straight up.

Remove the Inner Cap

Pry out the cap beneath the dispenser.

Remove the Center Bolt

Use a 7/16" socket and extension to remove the retaining bolt.

Lift Out the Agitator

Pull straight up.

If stuck:

  • Rock side to side.

  • Pull firmly upward.

  • Use a strap underneath for leverage if needed.

Step 5: Replace the Upper Agitator

Separate the Two Sections

Turn the agitator upside down and remove the cam assembly.

Lift the upper auger from the lower agitator.

Inspect the Components

Check:

  • Agitator dogs

  • Cam assembly

  • Thrust washer

Install the New Upper Agitator

Reassemble and verify the auger:

  • Ratchets one direction

  • Locks in the other

Step 6: Replace the Lower Agitator

If the lower agitator is cracked or stripped:

  1. Remove the upper agitator.

  2. Transfer reusable parts.

  3. Install the new lower agitator.

  4. Reassemble the agitator assembly.

Step 7: Reinstall the Agitator

  1. Place the agitator onto the transmission shaft.

  2. Align the splines.

  3. Tighten the center bolt securely.

  4. Reinstall the cap.

  5. Reinstall the fabric softener dispenser.

Final Test

Run a wash cycle with several towels.

You should see:

:white_check_mark: Lower agitator moving back and forth

:white_check_mark: Upper agitator ratcheting and pulling clothes downward

:white_check_mark: Washer spinning normally

:white_check_mark: No excessive wobble or slipping

If the washer spins normally and the agitator now moves the load properly, you’re back in business, neighbor. If it spins but the agitator base still won’t move, it’s time to start looking at the transmission rather than the agitator itself.

Parts Referenced in This Guide

If testing points to a failed component, these are the most commonly needed replacement parts for the Whirlpool LSB6500PW1:

Part Part Number Description
Agitator Dogs 80040 Four small plastic dogs that allow the upper agitator to ratchet and pull clothes downward during wash.
Complete Agitator Assembly 285565 Includes the upper and lower agitator assembly for units with cracked, damaged, or stripped agitators.
Motor Coupling 285753A Connects the motor to the transmission. A failed coupling commonly causes both no-spin and no-agitate symptoms.

Quick Symptom Reference

Upper agitator spins freely in both directions

Agitator cracked, loose, or stripped

Washer won’t spin and won’t agitate

Washer spins normally but lower agitator doesn’t move

Neighborly tip: Always perform the diagnostic tests before ordering parts. On this washer, a set of agitator dogs often fixes what looks like a much bigger problem.