I own a Whirlpool Duet Steam Washer that was purchased in October 2013. Model WFW88HEAC0 Ser C32350031. I have removed the drum assembly because of noise (objects) caught between the rear of the stainless steel interior basket and the exterior tub. I have tried everything to remove these objects but now must separate the two halves of the outer tub to pull out the interior basket basket and shaft to get them out.

On earlier models separating the two halves of the outer plastic tub appears to be straightforward, in that the clamps are removed and the tub halves easily come apart. On my newer duet, there are the same clamps, but the tub halves are really stuck together. When I look through the heater mounting hole at the mating surfaces of the two halves, they appear to be joined by a black adhesive. So...in my recent vintage of Duet washer can the plastic tub halves be separated without damage to allow reassembly, or are they considered one fused piece? Any options for pulling this apart and not wrecking it or should I just reassemble and give up? Bearing looks fine from the rear.

If you only have a few clamps you have one of the ones that are glued together. We replace these as a whole assembly as they are not intended to be separated. I'm not sure you'd be able to split the tubs and them successfully glue back together; not saying that it isn't possible but I've never tried.

Depending on what is stuck there and where I'm usually able to get it to one of the holes in the tub. See if you can move it to the fill, drain, vent, or heater (if you have one) holes. If you can see it through the basket holes, you may be able to drag it to a hole with a small screwdriver, or fish it out with a coat hanger.

Between the various holes I can usually get things out. You'll have to access the back of the machine to get to vent and heater holes.