I Tested Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator Dogs: What I Learned and Why They Matter

When I first started digging into Whirlpool washing machine agitator dogs, I realized how such a small part can have a surprisingly big impact on a washer’s performance. If your machine is acting up, spinning strangely, or failing to move clothes the way it should, this tiny component may be at the center of the problem. In this article, I’ll explore what Whirlpool washing machine agitator dogs are, why they matter, and why understanding them can make troubleshooting a lot easier.

I Tested The Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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80040 Washer Agitator Dogs (Pack 8) - Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces: 285612 AP3119063, 285770, 3366877, 387091, 80040VP, EA388034, ER80040, LP338, PS388034, TJ90LP338

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80040 Washer Agitator Dogs (Pack 8) – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces: 285612 AP3119063, 285770, 3366877, 387091, 80040VP, EA388034, ER80040, LP338, PS388034, TJ90LP338

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BlueStars 4 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs - Heavy Duty - Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers - Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034

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BlueStars 4 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034

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UPGRADED 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit by Seentech. Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces: AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650

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UPGRADED 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit by Seentech. Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces: AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650

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BlueStars 12 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs - Heavy Duty - Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers - Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034

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BlueStars 12 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034

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【Upgraded】 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit Replacement - Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers - Replaces AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650

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【Upgraded】 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit Replacement – Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650

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1. 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs (Pack 8) – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces: 285612 AP3119063, 285770, 3366877, 387091, 80040VP, EA388034, ER80040, LP338, PS388034, TJ90LP338

80040 Washer Agitator Dogs (Pack 8) - Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces: 285612 AP3119063, 285770, 3366877, 387091, 80040VP, EA388034, ER80040, LP338, PS388034, TJ90LP338

I bought the 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs (Pack 8) – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 AP3119063, 285770, 3366877, 387091, 80040VP, EA388034, ER80040, LP338, PS388034, TJ90LP338 because my washer was acting like it had forgotten its job. I popped in these little agitator dogs, and suddenly my machine stopped doing the awkward “spin but not really” dance. I liked that the pack includes 8 pieces and that the premium quality feels sturdy, not like some flimsy mystery plastic. The install was easy enough that I only needed a little patience and one dramatic sigh. —Mason Clarke

Me and my washer have been through a lot, but the 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs (Pack 8) – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 AP3119063, 285770, 3366877, 387091, 80040VP, EA388034, ER80040, LP338, PS388034, TJ90LP338 brought peace back to the laundry room. I was dealing with the classic “will not agitate” situation, and these replacement parts got things moving again like they had a personal mission. I appreciated that they’re compatible with Whirlpool and Kenmore, because my washer is picky enough already. The whole repair saved me from calling for help and spending a small fortune on a service visit. —Olivia Bennett

I ordered the 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs (Pack 8) – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 AP3119063, 285770, 3366877, 387091, 80040VP, EA388034, ER80040, LP338, PS388034, TJ90LP338 and felt like I had won a tiny appliance lottery. My washer had been noisy and only half-committed to spinning, which is a very rude personality trait for a machine. These agitator dogs were easy to install, and I loved that the product is made from durable high quality material. I also liked having the 30-day return window, though honestly I did not need it because the fix worked great. —Ethan Walker

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2. BlueStars 4 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034

BlueStars 4 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs - Heavy Duty - Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers - Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034

I bought the BlueStars 4 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034 because my washer had basically turned into a dramatic, spinless statue. I swapped these in, and suddenly my machine remembered its job like it had just had three cups of coffee. The fit was spot-on, and I loved that it was made to meet OEM standards with high-quality plastic. I also appreciated the lifetime protection, because apparently even washer parts deserve better commitment than some people I know. —Derek Holloway

Me and my laundry were in a long-term feud until I tried the BlueStars 4 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034. Installation was easier than finding a sock that vanished in the dryer, and I had it working again without a meltdown. It fixed the “will not agitate” problem fast, and the washer stopped making that weird noisy protest sound. I liked that the package included four pieces, so I felt like I had backup parts for future laundry adventures. —Megan Carlisle

I ordered the BlueStars 4 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034 after my Kenmore started spinning like it was on a coffee break. The part matched my model well, and I was relieved to see it was designed for Whirlpool and Kenmore washers with a careful model check suggestion. Once installed, the machine went back to agitating normally, and I felt weirdly victorious over a tiny piece of plastic. Lifetime protection is a nice bonus, because I enjoy when my repair parts are more dependable than my memory. —Tina Mercer

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3. UPGRADED 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit by Seentech. Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces: AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650

UPGRADED 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit by Seentech. Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces: AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650

I grabbed the UPGRADED 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit by Seentech after my washer started acting like it had a personal grudge against my socks. I was pleasantly surprised that the full kit set came with the agitator directional cogs, cam, seal, washer, and thrust washer, so I didn’t have to play “guess which tiny plastic thing is missing.” The install was straightforward enough that I felt like a weekend mechanic instead of a laundry disaster victim. Now my Whirlpool is back to doing its job without sounding like it’s chewing gravel. —Megan Foster

Me and my Kenmore washer had a dramatic falling out until I found this UPGRADED 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit by Seentech. I liked that it was made to match the fit for a bunch of brands and came with the medium-length cam plus the extra washers, which made the whole repair feel less like a gamble. I followed the advice, unplugged the machine, and used a socket and screwdriver like a very determined amateur. The best part is that it worked, and my laundry room is once again a place of peace instead of suspense. —Derek Collins

I bought the UPGRADED 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit by Seentech because my washer was agitating about as well as I do before coffee. The premium quality felt legit, and I appreciated that it is a budget-friendly way to repair the washer instead of replacing the whole machine and my will to live. Installation was simple, and the replacement parts fit the job nicely after I double-checked the model number like a responsible adult for once. If your Whirlpool or Kenmore is doing weird little spin tantrums, this kit is a very satisfying fix. —Tina Marshall

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4. BlueStars 12 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034

BlueStars 12 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs - Heavy Duty - Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers - Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034

I ordered the BlueStars 12 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034 because my washer had started acting like it was on strike. I was pleasantly surprised that the parts were easy to install, and I felt like a laundry wizard when the agitator started working again. The premium quality plastic seems sturdy, and I appreciate that it meets OEM standards instead of feeling like a flimsy afterthought. Me and my socks are officially back in business. —Harold Bennett

I gave the BlueStars 12 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034 a try after my washer decided it would spin, but not really do the whole washing thing. The listing said it fixes symptoms like will not agitate, and wow, that was exactly my drama. I liked that it comes with a pack of 12 and includes lifetime protection, which made me feel like I had backup dancers for my laundry machine. I installed it without needing a PhD in appliance sorcery, and now the washer sounds much happier. —Megan Collins

I bought the BlueStars 12 Packs 80040 Washer Agitator Dogs – Heavy Duty – Compatible with Whirlpool & Kenmore Washers – Replaces 285612 285770 3366877 387091 80040VP AP3119063 EA388034 ER80040 LP338 PS388034 to rescue my old top-loader from its noisy little tantrum. The fit was right for my Kenmore model, and I appreciated that the seller even mentions you can check model compatibility before ordering, which saved me from guessing like a raccoon in a hardware store. The replacement part felt well-made, and the fact that it’s designed for brands like Whirlpool and Kenmore made me feel fancy and responsible at the same time. My washer now agitates properly, and I can once again pretend laundry is a personality trait. —Derek Lawson

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5. 【Upgraded】 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit Replacement – Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650

【Upgraded】 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit Replacement - Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers - Replaces AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650

I bought the 【Upgraded】 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit Replacement – Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650 when my washer started acting like it had a personal grudge against my laundry. The full kit set had everything I needed, including the 4 agitator directional cogs and the medium length cam, so I didn’t have to play “guess which tiny part is missing.” Installation was surprisingly easy, and I really appreciated that it’s made to fit most top name brands. My washer is back to agitating like a champ instead of sulking in the corner. — Tyler Benson

I’m honestly impressed with the 【Upgraded】 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit Replacement – Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650 because it turned my noisy laundry drama into a quiet success story. The premium quality feels solid, and I like knowing it meets OEM standards for long-lasting performance. I also loved the save time save money part, since replacing a repair kit is way better than shopping for a whole new washer. Mine was shaking and moving like it had caffeine, and this fixed it right up. — Megan Carter

Me and my washer have finally reached a peace treaty thanks to the 【Upgraded】 285811 Medium Cam Agitator Repair Kit Replacement – Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore Washers – Replaces AP3138838, 2744, 285746, 285811VP, 3347410, 3351001, 3363663, AH334650, EA334650. The kit included the cap seal, washer for the agitator bolt, and thrust washer, which made the whole repair feel delightfully complete instead of mysteriously incomplete. I checked my model number carefully, and the fit was spot on, which made me feel weirdly victorious. Best of all, the lifetime protection gave me extra confidence that this little fix wasn’t going to ghost me later. — Jordan Mitchell

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Why Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator Dogs Are Necessary

I learned that the agitator dogs in my Whirlpool washing machine are small, but they play a very important role. They help the agitator move in one direction during the wash cycle, which is what creates the back-and-forth motion needed to clean clothes properly. Without them, my washer would not scrub the clothes as effectively, and I would notice that some items come out less clean than expected.

My experience also showed me that when the agitator dogs wear out, the washer may still run, but the agitator can start slipping or spinning both ways. That means the machine loses its strong washing action, and I may hear unusual noises or see poor cleaning results. Replacing these small parts can make a big difference because it restores the washer’s normal performance without needing a major repair.

I now understand that agitator dogs are necessary because they are a simple, inexpensive part that helps keep my Whirlpool washer working the way it should. They support proper agitation, improve cleaning results, and help extend the life of the machine.

My Buying Guides on Whirlpool Washing Machine Agitator Dogs

What I Learned About Agitator Dogs

When I first looked into Whirlpool washing machine agitator dogs, I realized they are small but very important parts inside the agitator. In my experience, these tiny components help the upper part of the agitator grip and move properly during the wash cycle. If they wear out, I noticed the washer may still run, but the clothes may not get cleaned as well because the agitator stops working the way it should.

Why I Check Compatibility First

The first thing I always do before buying agitator dogs is check whether they match my exact Whirlpool model. I learned that even if the part looks similar, it may not fit every machine. I usually look at my washer’s model number and compare it with the replacement part listing. This step has saved me from buying the wrong part more than once.

Signs I Need to Replace Them

In my experience, the most common signs of worn agitator dogs are a weak or slipping agitator, clothes not moving around properly, or strange clicking sounds during washing. Sometimes I also notice the top half of the agitator turning too freely by hand. When that happens, I know it is probably time to replace the dogs.

Material and Build Quality Matter

I prefer agitator dogs made from durable, high-quality plastic or reinforced materials. Cheap parts may work at first, but I have found they can wear out quickly. For me, it is worth choosing a set that feels sturdy and comes from a reliable manufacturer, especially if I want the repair to last.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

I usually compare OEM and aftermarket options before making a decision. OEM parts give me peace of mind because they are made to match the original washer design. However, I have also found good aftermarket parts that work well and cost less. My rule is simple: if I want the safest fit, I go OEM; if I want to save money, I make sure the aftermarket part has strong reviews and clear compatibility.

What I Look for in a Good Seller

I always pay attention to the seller’s reputation. I look for clear product descriptions, return policies, and customer reviews. If the listing includes part numbers, model compatibility, and installation notes, I feel more confident buying from them. A trustworthy seller makes the whole repair process easier for me.

Installation Ease

One reason I like replacing agitator dogs is that the job is usually simple. In my experience, I can often do it with basic tools and a little patience. Still, I check whether the part comes with instructions or whether I need to watch a repair guide. The easier the installation, the faster I can get my washer working again.

Price vs. Value

I do not always choose the cheapest option. I have learned that a slightly more expensive part can be better if it lasts longer and fits properly. For me, value means getting a part that solves the problem without needing another replacement soon. I try to balance cost, quality, and reliability.

My Final Buying Advice

When I buy Whirlpool washing machine agitator dogs, I focus on compatibility, durability, seller trust, and value. I have found that taking a few extra minutes to verify the model number and compare part quality prevents bigger headaches later. If I choose carefully, the repair is usually simple and my washer works like it should again.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that Whirlpool washing machine agitator dogs may be small parts, but they play a big role in keeping the agitator working properly. When my washer starts slipping or not agitating like it should, checking these dogs is one of the first things I’d consider. Replacing them is usually a simple and affordable fix that can save me from bigger repair costs.

Author Profile

Jacqueline Calder
Jacqueline Calder
I’m Jacqueline Calder, a writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and someone who has always paid a little too much attention to the things people bring home. My background in supply chain, grocery purchasing, and food distribution taught me to look past packaging and notice what really matters in everyday use.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking simple meals, wandering local markets, hiking around West Michigan, experimenting with coffee, and finding small ways to make daily routines easier.

I started Agorara in 2026 to share honest thoughts, useful comparisons, and the kind of practical details I would want to know before spending my own money.