How to Remove Agitator From GE Washer

The GE washers have made a name due to their reliability and value-addition. These washers have simple yet durable components like the same old-school agitator. However, being durable does not mean that a component will not break down.

Has your agitator stopped spinning? Well, it is not a new thing since agitators are prone to such issues. The problem has one simple solution i.e. remove the agitator to diagnose it. There is another problem that you need to solve first. How to remove the GE washer agitator?

GE washers are manufactured in different forms and shapes. There are several kinds of agitators fixed inside these washers. You should first ascertain the type of agitator and then ensure that you remove it properly. All these questions are answered below so scroll to know more.

How To Remove Agitator From GE Washer?

Removing the agitator that has a bolt

Unplug your GE washer

Unplug your GE washer from the electricity source. This is an essential step to keep you safe during the agitator removal process. We know that you do not want to experience an electric shock.

Unplugging the GE washer ensures that you do not suffer an injury when the power button is accidentally pressed. If you cannot access the power outlet then it is better to turn off the circuit breaker.

Remove the cap of the agitator

Once the GE washer is disconnected from the power source, you can shift your attention to removing the agitator. A single metal bolt agitator will have a metal bolt that is holding it in place. To access it, you should remove the agitator cap which is placed on top of the agitator.

Push the agitator cap up with your hands or use a screwdriver for this purpose. Make sure that you do not hurt yourself during the process. Agitator caps are made of plastic so you should also pay attention to the stress that you are putting on them. Glued agitator caps are more vulnerable to breakage.

Unscrew the metal bolt

After removing the cap, you will have access to a barrel. Check it to identify the single metal bolt that has fixed the agitator to the GE washer. Use a ratchet to unscrew the metal screw. The screw can be of different shapes in each model of the GE washer. Select the most appropriate screwdriver to unscrew.

The agitator will come out easily once the unscrewing is complete. You need to pull the agitator out. However, if it is stuck then there might be some debris stuck at the base.

Put the agitator back

Once you have completed the removal process, the next step is when you have to put it back in place. Fix the agitator to the base and put the metal nut where it is required to be fixed. Tighten the screw to ensure everything is perfectly in place. Put the agitator cap back on the barrel and push it to fix.

Operate the washer

Plug the GE washer back into the power outlet. See if the agitator is spinning properly. If there is still some problem with the agitator then you should call a technician.

Removing the agitator that has no bolt

Unplug the GE washer

Unplug the GE washer from the power source. If you cannot unplug then turn the circuit breaker off. This is to ensure that you do not experience an electric shock. An accidental press of the power button can turn on the machine. This can cause serious injury so you should be cautious.

Open the lid

The older GE washer models have no bolts on the agitator. This means that you do not need any tool to unscrew it from the base. After knowing this, open the lid of your GE washer. There is no cap on the agitator so you should proceed with removing the agitator.

Remove the agitator

Since there is no screw holding the agitator, you should pull it directly. Stabilize your lower body by bending your front leg slightly. Grab the agitator tightly and pull it up. Keep applying the force upward and continue increasing it.

Make sure that you do not twist or bend it while trying to get it off the shaft at the bottom. If the agitator does not come off then it is a clear indication that it is stuck. You should then try other methods to remove it.

Take care of the shaft

A shaft is present under the agitator so that it can spin. This shaft needs proper lubrication and cares to make sure that it does not impair due to friction.

Since you have removed the agitator and the shaft is exposed. Utilize this opportunity by lubricating the shaft. Apply either grease or petroleum jelly to it. This will help you avoid agitator and shaft issues in the future.

Call a technician

Having no bolt does not usually mean that the agitator will come out easily. In some models, it is really hard to remove. You should call a professional technician to help you with this.

There is a specific technique to pull it upwards or the agitator might need a tool to pull it out. Whatever the case, you should call a professional to help you with getting it off. Spending a few is better than purchasing a new agitator.

The GE washer agitator is stuck

The agitator of your GE washer can be stuck inside the washing machine simply because of the debris. Due to years of usage, the soap and detergents sit down at the base. This then makes it difficult to pull the agitator out. In this section, we will explain an old-school method to get the stuck agitator out.

Submerge the base in hot water

Pour hot water into the GE washer to cover the base. You do not need to initiate a wash cycle as the water is used to dissolve the detergent and soap sitting at the base. Loosening up the debris will make the process a lot easier. Physical force is of use but why use the force when you can hit it chemically?

Tie a rope around the agitator

Take a tough rope that is at least two meters long. Fold the rope half in half. Make a loop at the end and tie the loop around the base of the agitator. Make sure that the rope fits well under the bottom fin of the agitator. Pull it up to tighten it more. Tightening the rope is a critical thing to do since this will provide you with a firm grip later on.

Tie loops around a thick plank

Get a thick plank that is at least five to six feet long. Place the plank on the GE washer with both ends on the sides of the washer. Put the two ends of the rope over the wooden plank and tie it firmly to make sure that there is a firm connection.

Lift the plank

Grab one end of the plank and lift it up. Keep lifting the plank from the selected end and the agitator will ultimately rise from the base. This will require immense pressure so make sure that you are mentally and physically ready to apply it.

Precaution

1. Make sure that the agitator is not bolted to the base. This method includes applying physical force to pull out the agitator. Pulling out a bolted agitator forcefully can damage either the agitator or the interior of your GE washer.
2. Tie all the knots firmly so that the plank does not slip.
3. If you cannot lift the agitator after applying force, call a technician to get it done.

Why is my GE washer agitator not working?

Debris or object blocking it

A problem that you will often face with your agitator is an object getting stuck in it. This object can be anything. It can be a piece of clothing, thin fabrics, or stuff falling from the pocket.

Check the base of the agitator to find anything that is stuck. If you cannot find anything then you should remove the agitator to inspect it thoroughly.

Problematic lid switch

There is a lid switch installed right under the lid. When pressed, this switch sends a signal to the motor which then starts operating. A fault in this switch will mean that the agitator will misbehave.

A problematic lid switch should be checked with a multimeter. You should press it with your fingers to see if it moves properly. A fault in the lid switch can be repaired by calling a technician.

Faulty belt

There is a belt that connects the motor and shaft. This belt ensures that the shaft rotates when your motor is functioning. It tends to get loose when used regularly. If the belt is loose then it is understood that it will find it hard to grip the motor and shaft. This will stop the shaft from rotating even if the motor is running.

When you find out that the belt is loose, you should find a way to tighten it up. However, the best thing to do is to replace the belt. Call the technician to help you with a replacement.

Bad motor

If you find no fault in anything and still your agitator does not work, then there is a high chance that the motor is bad. A faulty motor cannot generate enough power for the agitator to spin. You should call a technician and ask him to replace the motor or repair it, if possible.

Conclusion

Agitators are a critical part of top load washers. The same is true for GE washers. An agitator is normally a very durable component since it is positioned with stability. They are fixed firmly to the machine. However, tightly fixed components have one big problem. You will have trouble removing them.

No matter whether your GE washer agitator is fixed with or without a metal bolt, we have explained the method to remove both from the washer. The methods that we have explained in our article require care.

You should make sure that you understand everything that we have explained. Also, it is better to call a technician for help if you do not know what to do.

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