My dad has figued out that my Whirlpool washer is leaking further down than we thought. It is not from the tub seal as the area on top of the metal is dry. (If it was the tub seal the area I'm referring to should be wet)

Thi area is directly above the transmission and is a round metal piece, it looks like it has bearings in it. Can someone tell us if that is the source or is it coming fom higher up?

Someone said something about "spin tube bearings". If so, why woud the water drip below like that, and is it a hard job? My dad just got through replacing the tub seal. It was really torn up so we thought that would fix the leak. He doesn't have a problem doing the work. We have not read anything about doing bearings while replacing the tub seal.

It sounds like you have belt driven washer,which means money better spent on a new washer, but there are no bearings in that area,there are bushings but not bearings , and the water is coming down your spin tube and over the transm.yes it is a major and expensive job , even done yourself.
I have also seen the tub rust in that area where you wouldn't be able to see the source.If your machine isn't belt driven the only source would be the seal .Very rare in that type of unit that the spin tube leaks.

In addition , if you want to replace the spin tube you'll need to replace the transm. Also, as you will notice the transm. Shaft will be pitted around the where the old seal leaked .

Thank you for reply Tommy!
We looked at diagrams and this is a direct drive model. The water must be coming out of the spin tube, it is dripping from the brake/clutch but not onto the transmission. The diagram shows a bearing at the bottom of the spin tube and some seals at the top.
Since it's only just started to leak, and doesn't look like it's leaking on the transmission or motor, do you still think it would be worth fixing? The washer still works great.
My dad said he checked the inner basket when he put in the new seal. We just don't understand how water could be getting in over the inner basket, unless it is through that opening of the spin tube.

In a direct drive unit, the water can get to the upper spin tube if your agitator isn't sealing right , this creats a air bubble so to speak to keep water away from it, the seal at the top of the spin tube is worn so the water that is getting to it is seaping down the shaft and onto your tranny. Depending on how old your machine is yes it's worth the repair. But when reassembling , make sure you have all the agitator seals in place also, buying new one 's if possible. Good luck...

Thank you again. This is a learning experience. So far we have only spent less than $10, five of that was for the seal.
We don't see any seals on the agitator other than an "o" ring. Maybe my father left something off when he put the agitator back on.

That still shouldn't allow water to get past the seals on the spin tube (?)

That's why from reading your answer I suspect the spin tube seal. It seems like that will be less than $10, but I'm wondering if it is a really hard job.

Does taking the spin tube off involve taking the tranmission off or does it just unbolt and come out from the inside?

Also, if you can tell us if we should replace the "spin tube bearings" at the bottom of the spin tube. Since we pay shipping every time we order, we want to get everything all at once.

What should we look for as far as damage on the bearings?

You have been very patient with us and we appreciate it. I think this machine is worth it as I don't like the newer stuff with computers in them. It's ridiculous to have to scan something just to find out what's wrong with it. It cost $90 just to scan my car! All this computerized machinery seems to take the place of the human learning process. Some of these guys don't call themselves "mechanics" anymore. They call themselves "technicians".

Unfortionatly unless you have the seal and bushing install tool you'll need to replace the whole spin tube, now mind you , there are seals around the outer tube and in the tube . You'll have to determine which one is leaking, if the tranny shaft , (the shaft your agitator is attatched to )is not pitted or damaged you shouldn't have to replace it, although if it is leaking down the tube shaft water can and usually does enter the trans. Mixing with the oil,but you mentioned the water was coming down over the metal plate covering the trans.and clutch, so you wouldn't have to worry about water in the trans. That leak would be most likely originating from the outer spin tube seal .The transm. And spin tube assmbly will need to removed to replace .take your motor and pump off and once you have the inner drum removed there will 3 9\16ths bolts to remove and your trans . Should come down and out , if you have struggle with it , you have rust and sediment built up on your spin tube , then you will have twist and spin the tube out best you can.Thats the best I can do for you over the net. Best of luck.

We will see how this comes out when we get it apart. Thanks again.