the cold water inlet is usualy the one to go, turn your water off and remove the hoses at the back of the machine. odds are you will find something in the screen(sand, i have even found gravel) use a small hook to pull the screen, adn clean it out. as far as the change in the gearcase what you are finding is a nutral drain cycle and is a good thing. it allows your washer to drain most if not all water from the tub decreasing the sloshing and spill over as it spinns. good luch and keep us posted on your results