As with most appliances these days, it is usually cheaper to buy a new one. Unless you can do-it-yourself with a very cheap part, (e.g., less than $30) - a service call just to diagnose the problem is $70 and the full repair may be even higher.
In your case, either the clutch assembly or the motor itself needs replacement. The "motor" sound you are hearing is just the PUMP. Thus, you're looking at about $120 just for the part. You gonna do it yourself and possibly mess it up, or worse, break other parts... and if you get through all that, you still have no warranty for a machine filled with other original parts that are 7 years old and getting ready to fail.
You can buy a brand new machine, no extra bells or whistles, for $300 or so, it comes with a warranty, and in most cases, they will deliver it to your home for free and take away your old machine for free.
Sure, your initial pay out may be higher for a new machine, but down the road, you can expect further problems from a 7 year old machine that is out of warranty.
And unless you really know what you are doing, that worthwhile repair with a cheap part (under $30) could turn out to be mistaken and in fact you need a different new part, such that even the cheap parts begin to add up -- that's like $60 off your new machine had you gone that route in the first place. Plus fewer headaches and a faster solution to your laundry needs and keeping your marriage together! :)
Personally, I favor pursuing a KNOWN. You know the cost, you know the result, and you can control your laundry budget as a result. Look for clearance items, promotions and rebates when shopping for new machine.
Check out the "Energy Star" website for rebates on products you never knew existed.
Samuel Wasserman, July 2006
