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The Kenmore 110 Series is an easy to use home Washing machine created by Kenmore.

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Removing Agitator: Any Ideas for Stubborn Bolt?

Hello -

I have a Kenmore Elite Oasis - Model #11027072602. When doing a load the other day, I encountered the ‘LD’ Long Drain error code. Assuming the issue was related to either a faulty or blocked Drain Pump, I went ahead and ordered a replacement on Amazon for ~$25, just so I’d have the part if needed.

After removing the back sheet metal panel, I was pretty sure I saw some loose articles of clothing through the clear tub - which I thought might be causing the issue. Using a flathead screwdriver, I popped the top portion of the washer (directly below the lid) and unsnapped the several tabs holding the clear plastic tub ring in place. At this point, even if removing the agitator and spin basket WASN’T necessary to remove any stray handtowels or socks that had gotten stuck between the basket and tub (which I think it is), the amount of gunk and just general grossness caked on the tub made me want to remove it so I could give it a good wash.

Problem is, the bolt under the agitator cap won’t budge AT ALL. I’ve tried everything - WD-40, hammering lightly with a mallet to try and unfreeze, speeder bars and regular socket wrenches. The 7/16 bolt just won’t break free.

After hours of trying, I gave up and decided to inspect the pump to see if I could at least get the washer back to a functional state. After setting it on its side, I could immediately see that one of the two blue wires running into the old Drain Pump had jarred free and was just dangling. At that point I decided to just replace the pump (knowing it was 23 years old and probably due), and because I couldn’t get the loose wire to stay in its slot, I soldered both wire connections. Put everything back together and the washer successfully did a self-clean cycle - but I’m definitely still seeing at least 2 hand towels and a sock spinning around the clear tub.

Two questions I’m hoping for help with:

  1. How in the world can I remove the stubborn and frozen 7/16 agitator bolt so I can lift the basket and tub?
  2. I assume the stray clothing thats between the basket and tub isn’t good for the washer. How critical is it to remove? Will this cause premature wear on the pump? Is there anyway to access the socks/towels withoutremoving the basket?

Thank you!

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@mayer what do you think? Bigger Hammer?

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Of corse I can’t see what you are talking about unless you post a photo.

The first thing that came to mind was using heat to unfreeze it.

Here’s a video on how that’s done:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTOdk41J...

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Hi @mayer ,

Here’s a picture of the screw, and here’s a link -click on motor, basket and tub parts -item #2 to its’ location in the washer.

Perhaps leaving the WD-40 for 24 hours may loosen the frozen (rusted in?) screw after it has had time to penetrate

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I see the 2 answers the one about using heat and the one about leaving the dw-40 on for 24 hours. I've done both. Neither worked. I tried boiling water, soda pop, vinegar, torque extender, everything I can think of. It will not budge. I saw a video where the person actually had to break the agitator by cutting it with a chainsaw, then extracting the remainder of the bolt with some special power tool and replacing the whole agitator. Is that what I'm going to have to resort too? I hope not.

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Unplug the washer, pour 2 cups of very hot water over the bolt, stand in the washer with 1 foot-using it to hold the agitator still. Loosen the bolt. Standing in the washer allowed me to get more leverage and remove the bolt.

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Bill Michael will be eternally grateful.
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