GE WDSR2080D Top Load Washer • Uploaded on Dec 15, 2015
Open the loading door, place your hand on top of the agitator and turn clockwise then counter clockwise. If agitator turns freely in both directions and tub sits motionless either your agitator or the coupling that holds it to the transmission will need replaced. Usually it is the coupling but it's easy to tell by removing the agitator and performing same turning procedure on it. If it spins freely it is no good.
To remove the agitator firmly grasp the neck of it with both hands and yank straight up. Inspect the inside of the agitator, the ribs inside can take quite a beating but once they are badly flattened or in some cases nearly completely shaved away then it will have to be replaced. Last I knew this was the style GE now recommends for that machine: WH43X139 . If you see signs of oil say, "Uh-oh." But continue anyway all is not lost.
Next you need to see if the coupler will spin (the most likely cause.) If it spins freely say, "Yea!" because that's one of the cheapest easiest repairs on this machine. That should be a 7/16 bolt that will need to be removed. I use a 1/4" ratchet and socket (No extension) or box end wrench and they usually give no trouble. But they are usually rusty so don't mess around with it. With your right hand apply firm downward pressure on top of the ratchet with the handle at nine oclock. Give it a nice firm bump with your left hand and it should break loose and usually spins right out. If it crumbles under the socket you'll have to use vice grips; no worries, a new bolt will come with part: WH49X10042. With nothing to hold it the coupling will slide right off. If removing because it spun, toss it in the trash, it is not recyclable.
Now you can see the top of your washer's transmission--remember the "Uh-oh?" If you saw a dark film of oil it came from here. But even if you didn't see oil reach down and grasp the splined part and see if it will wiggle back and forth. There should be no wiggle. If you look at the spline part you will see it goes into a slightly larger shaft. Right where it goes in there is a gasket that is not replaceable. If there is oil around it, or if you can see a gap in it, or if the spliny part wiggles side to side the transmission is shot. You can buy them NEW on ebay for $150 and less usually. Part number is: WH38X10002. It is not an easy job but if you've got tools and patience there is no reason i couldn't walk you through it.
But let's say your transmission looks fine and you just want to put that coupler back on and be done with it. Before replacing the coupler it is very important to clean the splines (little grooves) of the part it fits over really well. Each groove will have a plastic spline from the old coupler embedded in it. A wire brush or pocket screwdriver works well; they come out easy just make sure you get them all. Once you are satisfied the splines are nice and clean cover them with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Place the new coupler on top and give it a twist to feel the splines line up then push down to seat it. Sometimes they seat pretty easy, sometimes not. Sometimes you have to screw in the bolt to get it that last little bit. I've even had to use a succession of longer to shorter bolts to seat them. Regardless, the cleaner you get the splines on the transmission the easier it will be to seat the coupler into place. Tighten the bolt by reversing the procedure to loosen. Place left hand firmly over the ratchet or wrench with handle at three oclock and snug it up then bump it good and hard with your right hand a couple of times. Clean any debris on the bottom of the tub now. Then pick up the agitator and place it over the coupler, but first notice the coupler has twin grooves evenly spaced along it's sides. Likewise the agitator has ridges that fit into the grooves of the coupler. Under each fin of the agitator is a set of ridges, so line a fin of the agitator up with the grooves of the coupler and try to seat the agitator. You will meet resistance if they aren't lined up so just keep trying it will practically fall into place when it's right. You will know when it is seated properly but give it a slight tug upwards just to verify, if it stays in place you are done.
401 questions posted
Usually answered in minutes!
992 Questions
874 Questions
371 Questions
398 Questions
255 Questions