thanks, just the information I needed.

Hello,
My washer has a water leak at the outside of the tub. It seams to be leaking at the point where the two halves of the tub are screwed together. I bought the gasket from sears that the parts diagram shows sits between the two halves. I first tried tightening the screws but that did not stop it and since everything is plastic I felt it would be better to replace gasket. Now I'm trying to figure out how to take this apart to change the gasket. What's the best way to do this? From front,back, top? Do I have to take the drum completely out?
Another issue: Someone told me that the shocks break alot in front loaders and that sears knows about this and has changed the design to metal shocks instead of plastic. Should I check with sears about updated designs?
Also, is there a service manual out there that is specific to my washing machine?

Thank You