[brotherjim]

Our church bought a new GE washer for a struggling single mom. It arrived with a removable metal rod, maybe 2 feet long, that had a yellow tag cautioning the user to remove the rod before using the washer (I'm guessing it is a device to somehow protect the unit in shipping). The mom didn't notice, and so didn't remove it and used the washer. She later saw it and removed it, but ever since the washer makes a rubbery squeak during the agitation cycle, and it seems to be getting worse, though she's been using it 5 years now. Does anyone know what might have been damaged and in need of replacement/repair? Much appreciated.