Referred to the diagnostics in the appliancepartspros.com website and determined the cause was a burned-out motor (bearing seized and burnt windings). Also suspected it may also have been caused by a worn transmission thrust bearing.
Ordered both parts from appliancepartspros.com and received then promptly. Following the video instructions on the website, the repair was accomplished within 30 minutes. The motor was a very simple "remove/replace" and the thrust bearing replacement was also very easy. I'd rate the difficulty as either a "1" (very easy) or "2". GREAT VIDEOS!.
Very pleased with the quick delivery and very detailed video instructions!