It sounds like the actual filter has broken off from the screw in retainer, with a little patience and persuation( I find a pair of long nose pliers helps ) the filter will come out. Failing this above the filter there are either one or two torque screws t15 from memory remove these and tap the kick plate to the left it'll now lift off, you'll see the bottom front panel retaining screws remove these,gently pull the panel forward ( get someone like the wife ! to hold the panel forward and that gives you access to the pump, some sit in a rubber mount some have a retaining screw onto the frame, from the front the pump will lift out. Personally I find it easier to just change the pump motor it's held on with three screws and is very easily removed and when out it'll let you push the filter out its housing from the inside.
Jim
November 2007
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