Eric, you were right on the money about something getting lodged between tubs. Since I needed to get it resolved quickly, i bought a 3 pad clutch from a local appliance parts store and tested the spinner. The noise was still there but the tub was spinning faster probably more torque because of new pads. I let it spin for a few more seconds and noticed some black rubber strings on the tub. eventually when it stopped i saw part of a broken hose. upon further investigation and confusion because i could not find it on the parts diagram, i realized it was the bleach hose and part of the tub ring assembly. Now it spins great! I am trying to avoid buying that hose since I may need to buy the entire tub ring assembly. We do not use bleach anyway. Do i still need to replace it? now it is mended with duck tape and electrical tape so we can get our laundry going. :)