Replacing Tub Seal Ge Profile

(This is a GE Profile washer that is over 10 years old. Somehow I managed to improperly fill out the Brand and Age fields.)

Washer leaking from center of tub. This problem was repaired by GE technician approx 6 yrs ago & I believe they replaced the transmission & tub seal. Since transmission seems fine to me (no noisier than usual & washer runs great) I’ve decided to try and just replace tub seal this time.

I know I need the spanner wrench & have found lots of solid disassembly info on the net…but I have 2 remaining questions.

  1. Is it proper practice to remove the tub as though I were replacing the transmission in order to install the new tub seal, or is it fine to replace the tub seal without removing the tub?

  2. A video I saw suggests using an emery cloth to clean the portion of the "transmission stem" that is exposed inside the tub, then to dry and apply a white grease to this stem AND to apply same white grease to the new tub seal before installing. Is it proper/necessary/ideal to apply this white grease to both parts or either, and if so, could you please please tell me the name/type brand name of the specific grease to use? Also…is there a proper amount & proper method to applying this grease in order that is will not enter into the tub during washing?

I’m a fairly new DIYer and will appreciate any and all information you are willing to relay. I thank you very much for taking the time to respond and to help.