I have a 1996 Whirlpool Imperial direct drive machine that makes a very loud grinding noise during the spin cycle. I first looked at the coupler, and it is fine. The noise only happens during the spin cycle. I noticed that when the washer first starts to spin, the agitator moves like it is engaged. If I grab and hold the agitator to prevent it from spinning, the noise stops. As soon as I let the agitator go, the noise returns. I removed the agitator and it still made the noise. When I grabbed the agitator shaft with pliers to stop it from spinning, the noise stops. It appears that the agitator is engaging during the spin mode. Any suggestions?
The agitator can just free wheel during the spin cycle and you should be able to stop it from moving with your hand, but the noise is of coarse not normal.
From what you have posted I would say the noise is coming from the transmission.
I would run it with the cabinet off in spin cycle and see if I could confirm that the noise is coming from the transmission.
You can repair the transmissions if you want to tear it apart. Here is some photos of one taken apart.
http://appliancejunk.com/forums/index.php?action=gallery;cat=22
You got it right, it was the transmission. It just happened that a relative visited and mentioned they just ordered a new washer. Their old washer was going to the trash, and happened to be same model as mine, although eight years older. I looked on Sears Parts Direct and found the replacement transmission for both machines was the same. So, I harvested the transmission from the old machine and now mine is working like a charm. What a lousy way to spend Christmas Eve!