Four months ago the machine would stop agitating in the middle of a wash cycle. It spins and drains fine. I installed a "transmission pulley and bearing kit" and a new belt. The agitator turns freely in the agitator direction, and in the spin direction. Still does.
The problem continued. Found that by initiating a spin cycle for a few seconds, and going back to the wash cycle, the machine would agitate. Sometimes for the rest of the full wash cycle, sometimes for a few minutes, and at times for multiple loads. When the agitatation stops, there is a humming sound, but no smell of burning belt.
It does not matter what wash cycle is used - whites or permanent press.
There is a very loud clunck when the agitator goes from fast to slow, and there is a loud vibration and sound that is in time with agitator motion.
Today I took the front panel off and watched as it shifted from fast to slow. It is from the motor area, and there is significant movement of the motor/motor plate. The loud vibration is coming from the motor.
I am also looking for a good guide to removal and replacement of the motor, and in particular the motor pibot spring