The washer design is very poor! A failed seal just above the main top bearing caused all the problems on a machine that was only five years old. The large seal needs a riser tube attached to the top side of it with another smaller seal at the top end of the riser tube to seal off the upper end of the spin drive shaft. This is the way the older washers were designed and no water leaked into the mechanics. The other problem is the outrageous price. $260.00 for the complete gear/ drive assembly. Very expensive 2-1/2" bearing and seal. Sears has gone to throw away appliances. Use them till they quit then throw it away and go buy another one. Extremely disgusting corporate attitude! Will buy Whirlpool from now on.