Product review (5 stars): A simple repair for broken agitator dogs
NOTE: There are some reviews of this product that state that they received inferior, generic parts.  The parts I received were branded, authentic Whirlpool parts.  Everything worked as expected and since the writing of this review, the repair has held and I have had no further problems. At least for me, there was no 'bait and switch.'  However, I can only speak on the basis of my own experience.  I will update the review if there are any changes.

PROS
Authentic Whirlpool parts
Inexpensive repair
Easy repair
Complete replacement kit, including a gasket for the fabric softener protector cap
Works for most top loading Whirlpool and Kenmore washing machines

CONS
Limited directions included

FULL REVIEW:
'Agitator dogs' may sound like some radical political movement, but they are an integral part of your top-loading washing machine's agitator system.  Basically, in the agitation cycle, the top and bottom of the agitator turn in opposite directions. There are little pieces of paisley-shaped plastic that click in and out of place to keep the top of the agitator stable, while the bottom turns during the agitation cycle.  They get worn down with use over time and more so with constant heavy loading.

If you find that your top loading machine is making a ratcheting or grinding sound during the agitation cycle, worn down agitator dogs may be the problem and the 'dogs' may need to be replaced. If the 'dogs' are worn down enough, you will actually be able to grasp the top of the agitator and turn it counter clockwise while the machine is not in use.  (Because the top and bottom of the center agitator turn in the same direction during spin cycles, there is noise during this cycle.)

So the keys to diagnosing the problem:
1) ratcheting or grinding sound during the agitation cycle
2) the ability to spin the top of the agitator counter clockwise if the agitator dogs are really worn down
3) the top and bottom of the agitator spin in the same direction during the agitation cycle
4) if the 'dogs' are not completely shot, you will find the noise will be minimized or go away when you
5) normal spin cycle without any abnormal sounds

If you have a question about diagnosing the sound, just Google "direct drive washer problem noises sounds" and the first hit will give you a link to an appliance assistant site that has a number of sound files for broken washing machines. The worn agitator dog sounds are in the middle of the page.  (Sorry I can't put the link here, because Amazon will erase it.  You can write me by my email on my profile page, and I'd be glad to send you the link.)

Calling a repairman costs at least $65 dollars for a look-see and they often charge high-card for any repair parts.  Given that my Whirlpool washer was born in 1996, I didn't think that calling a repairman was worth it.

The only equipment you will need is: 1) this kit; and 2) a long, 7/16" nut driver (I used:&nbsp;]) because it was inexpensive.  You need a long extension piece to reach down far enough to unscrew the nut at the base of the agitator.  The cost of this kit was around $5.50 and the nut driver was $8.69.  I figured for just under $15, it paid to give this repair a try, as my local repair guy charges $65 just to look at the thing, a similar hourly wage, and high card for the pieces used for repair.  Given the age of the washing machine, I figured I'd just buy a new one if my repair didn't work.)

There are many videos on line to help you do this repair.  It is a simple.  When I say it's simple, that's probably an understatement, as I am not a handy kind of guy.  You basically pull the top off the agitator, pull out a plastic cover, unscrew the nut, yank the agitator out of the washing machine, pull it apart, pull out the old agitator dog assembly, replace with the new agitator dog assembly, put the agitator back together again, and then screw it in place. Push in the plastic cover and snap the top back on the agitator.  No need to disassemble the entire washing machine or do anything all that complicated. It took me about 20 minutes with the how-to video running on my iPhone and if I did it again I could probably do it in less than 10 minutes.  Wow!

(As a bonus, the kit also comes with a replacement gasket just in case your agitator doubles as a fabric softener disburser.  I was worried at first, because when I pulled out the plastic cover the existing gasket broke.  I was happy to note that the makers of the kit must have anticipated that this could happen...)

This is a simple, inexpensive repair kit for a common problem.  Well worth the price and easy to do!