I've removed the front cover of the machine raised the front up to access underneath as well. The belt is in great condition it would seem. I can manually pull the belt and pulleys without any issue, but it doesn't make any odd sounds by hand.
Running with the front cover removed, it would "seem" the sound is coming more from the drive shaft area than the pump or motor areas. I can't seem to safely isolate it any better than that.
-If- it turns out to need something expensive like a transmission or something, then I may need to consider buying a new washer.
Teraya
January 2007