Thread: Kenmore front loader 417-29042992

I have had this washer for 7 years, it has had spin cycle issues from the beginning. I had trouble keeping it in balance, it shook the whole house. I solved that problem by building it in to a cabinet. I never had the stinky mold problem, because I do use bleach and hot cycles, and I leave the door open a crack.
Most recently the cycle dial came off in my hand, the teeth had broken off, $130 later, I am feeling that this is the last thing I would bother to repair. It has only been a month, and now the tub screams and rattles in the spin cyle. It is not off balance. It does finish the cycle, but the clothes have not been getting as dry as they used to, also, I can't stand to listen to the sound. It is REALLY loud. We are a family of 4, and I do 8-12 loads a week. I have read various postings that sound like the same problem, either the struts, $40 repair, or the tub and spider, $220 repair. I had a tiny bit of water leak out the front, but it doesn't seem to be leaking, it is dry inside the cabinet, and under the machine. I checked the door gasket and I don't see any holes. The tub rotates smoothly, but there does seem to be a bit too much front and back play. I opened the front and the back, but everything seems to be in order. The struts (shock absorber like things) seem to be working, but they seem to have small cracks in the white plastic. I'd hate to junk it for a small fix, but I'd hate to throw money into it and have it fail again for something else. Any ideas?