I have a Whirlpool washer, Heavy Duty Extra Large Capacity Plus - model # LXR9245EQ1. While I was washing a load of towels last night, I noticed a scubbing/grinding sound. When I checked the load, the dasher was not rotating properly. The bottom part of the dasher - the bowl-type piece of plastic at the bottom that turns - is working properly, but the upright cylinder part of the dasher freely spins. It feels like it has broken loose from the bottom part. As you can tell, I have no future career in appliance repair. If this makes any sense, and you can give me any advice, I will appreciate it greatly! Thanks!!

Sounds like the "clutch" at the top of the upper agitator isn't working.
Click on the first picture of this page:
http://www.partselect.com/AdvancedModelSearch.aspx?ModelNum=LXR9245EQ1&mfgModelNum=&fkMfgID=3
.. and you'll get the general layout of the parts, then grab a wrench and have at it! :D