Was leaking from the main seal. Replaced the main seal and it was fine for a couple of weeks. The seal I took out was chewed up on the gasket part (seal between the main seal and the top metal piece.

Started leaking again. When I went to take it apart and check the seal the inner tub was very hard to spin and clicked. I did not see anything wrong with the seal so I put it back together and it was fine for a few loads then started leaking again. Same issue, drum was tight and it was clicking.

What could be causing this?

I also tried putting the top piece of the seal on both ways and same issue - which is the correct way that the seal pieces should go together?

I was never able to get the side panels off - how do these come off to make the repair easier.

Thanks!