Agitator slips

[JohnLyles]

I have replaced the agitator "dogs" three times in the past 6 months, and it does not resolve my problem. The agitator auger seems to fit very loosely onto the agitator base. I can move it from side to side about 1/2 inch. Because of this 1/2 inch of "play", the cam that holds the "dogs" randomly becomes slightly off-center inside the auger when the washer is running, and the "dogs" miss connecting with auger teeth. I just tested it with a load of clothes - the auger turned nicely for about 15 seconds, then started slipping for about 30 seconds. If I manually apply downward pressure to the top of the auger, it no longer slips. If I slightly tilt the auger to the side, it no longer slips. The cam’s plastic screw with the spring is tightened completely. The washer is perfectly level. I just replaced the entire cam, dogs, screw, and spring yesterday. And today I replaced the auger spacer/washer that fits between the agitator base and the auger. I thought that perhaps a repairman had replaced my agitator auger with the wrong part number while I was on a business trip, but the part number is 8054498, just as the Kenmore diagram states. Could the auger’s teeth be worn down? They appear to be rather sharp - not worn down. I am stumped. Shouldn’t the cam fit somewhat snugly inside the auger - so that the "dogs" symmetrically connect with the auger teeth? Should I be able to wiggle the auger from side to side 1/2 inch while everything is tightened down? Why is this auger so loose???