An agitator or beater that moves freely may have a damaged connection to the shaft, but some designs also have normal partial movement. The inspection needs to identify the part and how it receives motion.
What assembly is inside the tub
It may be a low-profile plate or impeller, a one-piece agitator, or a multi-section assembly. Mounts, couplings, and internal mechanisms vary by model; not all include the same ratchets.
If the machine simply fills without agitating, that symptom calls for a broader diagnosis. In a double tub with no wash movement, its specific drive and transmission also matter.
How to tell wear from lack of drive
The technical inspection should distinguish whether motion reaches the shaft, whether the mount transfers it to the assembly, and whether any section is damaged. Worn splines can affect the part hub, the shaft, or both.
If the shaft is not receiving the expected motion, replacing the plate will not fix the fault: the transmission must be checked. Do not run the washer with guards or interlocks bypassed to observe it.
Removal and replacement
It should only be removed using applicable instructions, with power isolated and the assembly stopped. A stuck part should not be pried out against the tub or by striking the shaft.
Replacement must restore the intended connection, fastening, and movement, using the correct assembly. The ease of lifting a decorative cap does not mean the entire agitator is a user-removable part.
A new part installed on worn shaft splines may still slip; it is worth checking both sides of the connection before ordering the replacement.