Washer goes through all cycles and washes clothes just fine.

When water is added or any weight for that matter it starts to howl when it is spinning. If there is nothing in there then it doesn't sound any different.

Supposedly this started a week ago when I did a light load and a pencil in a pocket on a pair of pants broke off inside the washer. Would this cause damage of any sort? If it did im going to be stuck with the bill and being on my part time work budget would like to repair it myself if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.