My washer (Whirlpool direct drive LSQ9549LWO) will not spin. I have pulled and inspected the coupler and it appears fine. I can hear the motor and I can't find anything between the tubs. My question is, I believe this would be the brakes, clutch, or transmission and I am trying to determine which one it is. I can see what appears to be some gear oil sprayed around. With the motor removed I turn the coupler clockwise and it engages the clutch which begins to turn. It is difficult to do by hand. Is the basket supposed to turn when I do that?? I feel I can do the repairs if it is the clutch or brakes, but probably would not spend the money on a tranny.

Thanks. I did what you suggested. It will spin, but stops, the tranny continues to turn. Also, I can stop it when spinning with just slight pressure, give it a little push and off it goes again. Would I feel resistance if it were the brakes?? I suspect I would feel some sort of binding sensation if it were. If it were the brakes, would the tranny still spin freely when you held the basket?? I suspect the clutch, which I can order and do. I don't want to order one part then find out I need the other.

Thanks, that is sort of what I figured. I will order up the clutch assy. I didn't use the spanner wrench to take the basket out. Do I need one to re-install it, and is there a procedure for installing the basket and setting up the tube height with relation to how far the agitator is off the bottom of the basket?? And how do you know how tight to tighten that spanner nut??

Yeah, I got that, but I did take it out to clean and lube the brake shoes and check for roller play.

Well that will do it. Interesting, your problem happens only about 1-5% of the time but glad you found it

Thanks for the update