Hoover 550 MA Top Loading Washing Machine

First be sure your not using a delicate cycle. If the agitator uses Dog agits, the bottom half of the agitator will move back and forth while the top half moves in one direction. If the dog agits are broken, you would be able to hold the top half of the agitator still while the washer is on.

replace water level sensor
if less than 5 years old
should be able to get the part from a washing machine repairer
or hoover washing machine parts supplier

probably is a relay and solenoid that controls the direction
call a technician as it is fixable

I had the same problem with a Hoover 200M that had never had the agitator removed in 20 years. After I removed the bolt the agitator would only lift about a centimetre as if there was something else holding it. After reading as many reports as I could find, I decided that there was just the bolt and I would try brute force as some suggested. The way I finally got it off, after trying many things, was to lace a strong string through the top holes on the agitator. I used some old baling twine for this as it was the strongest thing I had. This gave me three loops of twine and I threaded one of the socket extensions through this to form a strong handle. I was then able to jerk it upwards vigorously. It took me about ten jerks but then it simply came up as if it was wondering what all the trouble was for. Cleaning the scaled mess underneath was actually an even harder task but now it is done, it was certainly worth the effort.

Have a look for coins etc stuck in the drain pump or the tub outlet hoses especially where they fit onto the tub. If a coin or other foreign material blocks the water flow when draining , these machines wont spin properly.

I assume drum does not turn. Check drive belt as it maybe broken. If belt is o.k check if motor is burnt out, if not could be problem with electronics.

Hi just read your posting.It should be in the center of the agitator.Pull the center out and there should be a lint bag attached to it.Unfortunately they do not stop much lint from getting on the clothes.Hope this helps and please reply if you need more help.

Some further checking indicated a bad transmission. As the unit is 15 years old, I decided the best solution was a new machine! ..

FRIEND,

BUY SPEED QUEEN FRONT LOADER. IT ONLY USES 13.9 GALLONS OF WATER PER WASH!!!!

If the appliance is 10 years old or more,it may make sense not to invest any money to fix it!
BUY SPEED QUEEN NEXT TIME AND HAVE IT FOR 25 YEARS! THAT'S WHAT I HAVE!
Happy to assist you,
PS. PLEASE GIVE ME A GOOD RATING BEFORE YOU SIGN OFF!

sounds like the motor brushes need renewing.