I found a youtube video showing my problem. Decided to try to clean ours before considering a new one. Yesterday got my wash done, did 3 "sterilizing" washes with a washer cleaner. Tomorrow me and DH are gonna take that baby apart and see what's hidden inside. Kinda like Geraldo Rivera's investigation of Al Capone's basement or the Blair Witch Project....no telling what secrets or nasties we may find
. I'll take pics if there's anything to report
Good luck, and don't leave a hammer within reach.