I'm trying to give a Hoover clothes washer (top loading) a clean out, and need to remove the inner drum.
But, I can't see how to remove the agitator, which I presume needs to come out first.
I've stripped it down as far as I can at present, and can see a (fragile-looking) plastic epicyclic gearbox and a brake mechanism at the bottom end. There's an Allen bolt associated with the brake, but loosening it didn't seem to help. I daren't whack the plastic parts!
I gather this is a common method of transmission, so there must be a fairly standard way to dismantle?
Hoover Model A6830 ("500"), made in Australia.
Any advice gladly received!

Jordan, October 2004

An update and correction to the above: Under the flapper valve is a 10 mm bolt. Once the agitator is removed, a 12 mm bolt is visible on the top of the casting. This holds the clamp up. I had to soak the clamp in CRC and heat it then knock it down (there were some corrosion issues with the casting). Anyway once the clamp is released the drum can be removed. Hope this helps.

Keith, November 2004

Hi Jordan, I have a top load Hoover A6590 washer which may be similar. At the bottom of the agitator is a plastic sleeve with a rubber flapper valve. You can pull this out with a piece of wire. Underneath is a 12mm bolt, which holds the agitator in. Unfortunately I have not solved the next riddle which is how to release the stainless steel drum from the spline shaft.

Keith. (email: shady79@xtra.co.nz), November 2004