I checked three separate components, based on similar experiences of other friends. The water pump was ok and the stator look ok (no electrical burns, wiring was fine, etc.). After viewing a You Tube video of a washing machine making a similar noise as mine (metallic grinding sound when spinning), the video suggested the problem was a bad sensor. Replaced the sensor assembly (had to first remove the stator assembly in order to access the hall-effect sensor) and this solved the problem. Washer runs like it's new!