Hotpoint Aquarius wmf540 washing machine?

While changing the door lock i wrongly took off the whole of the rubber gasket at the entrance to the machine. Having repaired the Lock i put the front of the rubber gasket back on (closest to the door), but i cannot fit the rest of the Gasket close to the Drum entrance which also needs to have the wire spring coil replaced around this part of the Gasket. I have tried it so many times but simply cannot do it. How could i take out the Drum as this would then mean that i could fit the Gasket & spring Coil easily enough before replacing the Drum.
Is this possible to take out the Drum or has anyone got a better idea for replacing this rubber Gasket ?