During a wash, my Whirlpool model LSQ9264HQ0 washer suddenly stopped agitating, and making a loud high pitched sound - sort of like slipping gears. The pump did empty the tub, but without spinning.
I removed the agitator to see if the spline that drives it was damaged or stripped; it seems OK (but MAN was it dirty in there, in the softener dispenser and below the dust cap!)
I know next to nothing about washers, but to my ear, the noise seems like the sound of stripped or slipping gears. My bet is the transmission, but that’s just a WAG (Wild Ass Guess).
I would appreciate any help or advise.
Thanks.
Check the motor coupler. With broken coupler, washer will not agitate or spin but will still drain. See video on parts page.
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-whirlpool-direct-drive-285753a-ap3963893.html
Eric
fairbank56,
Thanks - you were right. I didn’t see any crumbled rubber under the washer, so I thought it was something else. But when I took it apart, I saw that one of the plastic pieces was broken, and tiny bits of rubber were stuck up on the side of the motor.
Bought the part on APP - delivered the next day! (Saturday, no less!), and it went in quick and easy. The Mrs. is much happier now! 
Thanks!