I have a brown film on the floor at the back of the washer and it looks like it is coming from the bearing area. The back of the outer tub is being cut into by the pulley. That is why I think that it is the bearing since it looks like brown (rust color) at the outside of the bearing.
I have seen the posts about another model of washer but am not sure if the procedure, parts, etc. would be the same. Is there a step by step manual as to the procedure for disassembling and assembling the model that I have? I have hand and power tools. Would one average mechanically minded person be able to replace it without having other hands involved?
Thanks for your time and help.

Yes I do you hear a loud grinding noise while spinning, like it is going to take off! The pulley is digging into the tub in a couple of areas and there is play when I move the pulley from side to side.

If is sounds like an air plane taking off then it's probably the rear bearing part number AP2578105 and you would want to replace the pulley too, part #AP2107800.
It is a pain in the rear job, but with the cost of the machine I always thought it was worth it. Around $200 in parts is a lot cheaper that $1000 for a new washer.
But that's a personal call.

If you replace the rear bearing I would replace the pulley. But yes make sure the shaft on the tub doesn't look bad. Makes it a lot higher repair if you have to change the tub too.
If you have to change all of that it might be better to find a "scratch & dent" store and buy a new washer for about half the price of a new one and most have a 1 year warranty minus any cosmetics.
nat