My nephew has a Kenmore 110.22352510 top loading machine which is just outside of warranty. The machine is making a lot of noise when ever the drive motor turns. I flipped the machine over and see the guard over the drive assembly is badly worn. The drive assembly is rubbing on the guard. This machine is notorious for having a nut on the washer drive pulley loosen allowing the assembly to drop and rub on the guard. I checked the nut and it feels tight, but if I grab the washer drive pulley and try to move it in what would be the up and down direction when the machine is upright the assembly does move back and forth. There is about a quarter inch of play. Does anyone know if this means the washer drive pulley needs to be replaced?

For now I left the guard off and it's running fine.