Does not open from back. Open control panel and then remove entire cabinet (back stays in place). Check that the 3 horizontal suspension springs are in place and the 1 vertical counterweight spring in the rear. Many times, the lower frame will rust and the lower connection of the counterweight spring will pop loose. Check that the suspension plate is in correct position. Also need to check the 6 damper pads. 3 are on top of the base assembly that the suspension plate sits on and 3 are on top of the suspension plate that the tub support sits on.

Eric

Cabinet removal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVF0h1MQdBE

Suspension parts:

btw, if " lower frame will rust and the lower connection of the counterweight spring will pop loose." should turn out to be the problem, does this mean washer is junk, or do I try to establish a new connection by screwing the end of spring to frame?

the video for washer dissassembly helped alot. this one is even older than the video, control panel mounting screws are on front of panel. otherwise the same.

turned out one of the clips holding cabinet to back was missing, found on floor under washer. and sides of washer were not clipped into bottom. one front corner tab was bent, the other front tab was gone. whole cabinet was loose.

I didn't see any spring missing or loose. moved the suspension plate a few times. seemed to move ok. taking the whole thing apart to get to the pads was too daunting, especially since I had no indication that it would help.

put the cabinet back on as well as I could (talking of replacing because of age, time necessary to dissassemble and get to the pads, so didn't want to spend too long dealing with the cabinet). both sides were a bit splayed out so needed to try squeezing them in while re-installing. One side now seems attached the other still loose. both clips holding cabinet to control are in.

tried the spin cycle. no balance issue! so far. we'll see what happens over time.
thanks for the help with into the machine.