1st get your self another guy. too much soap use. ????Soap would get rid of grease.
Bearings are funny to change, not difficult, But, Some are harder to get out than others, As long as you are careful, using some sort of drive, old screwdriver etc, you should be able to remove them no problem, BUT do not just whack the thing, take it easy, tap around it, take it slow. officially, you should use a puller, but take it easy with an old screwdriver, you will manage, JUST be very careful not to damage the sides. if you can, grind the screwdriver off a bit, a flat edge is what you need, but remember to take it easy. Bearings are not that expensive. Also check, that the gas struts are ok, they are the dampers for the movement of the drum, look like the pipes on the tailgate of most hatchbacks. Does the drum move up/down side /side if you try to move it, remember that the outer drum will move, so does it move in respect to the outer drum, IF no movement, bearing might be ok, If it moves in respect to outer drum, bearing need to be replaced.
Then tell your self or other half, not to overload the m/c in future. Mine still does it all the time, after yrs of replacing bearings
SD
September 2011