This machine is probably about 10 years old. It is a direct drive. The washer will fill and drain but when it tries to agitate or spin I hear a grinding and clicking sound coming from the bottom of the washer. I cannot turn the agitator by hand. Would this be a problem with the motor, or something else? Thanks.

I've got the same problem, except I don't hear any grinding or clicking noise but just humming of the motor when it should be agitating. BTW my model is LA7800XT.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I ended up replacing the drive coupler. I think it cost me about $15. It sits behind the motor, so you have to remove that and then put in the new part. The hardest part was trying to reattach the motor. Works like a champ now.

Good luck.

Is the drive coupler also known as a "motor coupler" and is located between motor and transmission? If so could you verify if the following link is the proper part:
http://www.repairclinic.com/0081.asp?RccPartID=2855

Thank you.

Yes, that is the same part I purchased. The motor coupler is the drive coupler.

The new part is designed slightly different from the original but functions the same.

Drive coupler like the other guy said, $5 on internet.
Remove 2 screws from dash, pull forward, then rotate up. Remove 2 clips and lid switch wire connector. Lay dash and back of washer backwards real easy so as not to break downspout. Rock body towards you, then slide towards you, then set aside. Remove wire harness from motor, 2 rubber hoses, 2 screws from motor clips (throw away screws because you do not need them), remove 2 clips, remove motor. You'll see broken coupler. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice, TNS, and the add-ons from other posters. The part cost me $15 at a local Sears repairs center and breakdown went exactly as described in the video that rambojc linked to.



Johnseb, I'd be careful about throwing away those screws that secure the motor clips. Sure, the clips have a lot of natural tension but when the machine starts up that motor really vibrates. Without putting those screws back in place, you really run the risk of the motor falling off. You'll DEFINITELY run into this problem if you ever try to move the washing up or down a flight of stairs.

But all in all, an easy project once I read through all this great advice. Thanks, guys!