The machine makes a periodic grinding sound with each rotation of the spinning clothes drum suggesting there is a foreign object lodged between the clothes drum and the outer casing? How can I gain access to this space to remove whatever is lodged between the inner drum and outer casing, or is this a problem best left to a Maytag repairman?

I followed your advice and attached video by removing the belt. This allowed the drum to rotate freely in both clockwise and counter clockwise movements. This free rotation movement back and forth dislodged the foreign object, which was a roofing nail that was sitting in one of the holes of the drum. The nail head prevented the nail from slipping through the drum wall and eventually gumming up the water pump, which has happened to me before with smaller nails..although there was no belt probelm the video was useful in showing me the proper method of belt installation. This is my lucky day as it saved me an expensive vist with the Maytag repairman. For once and for all, I must remember to empty my pants' pockets before putting them into the machine. Thank you!

I followed your advice and attached video by removing the belt. This allowed the drum to rotate freely in both clockwise and counter clockwise movements. This free rotation movement back and forth dislodged the foreign object, which was a roofing nail that was sitting in one of the holes of the drum. The nail head prevented the nail from slipping through the drum wall and eventually gumming up the water pump, which has happened to me before with smaller nails..although there was no belt probelm the video was useful in showing me the proper method of belt installation. This is my lucky day as it saved me an expensive vist with the Maytag repairman. For once and for all, I must remember to empty my pants' pockets before putting them into the machine. Thank you!