F51 Error on Whirlpool Cabrio Washer

Try to turn the drum by hand, if it hard to turn, there may be something stuck underneath spin basket. If it does turn freely but makes a loud growling sound, you probably have a bad bearing. You should notice black oil and water mixture at bottom of washer, on the rotor. It will usually throw a f51 error code. This unit has service bulletin on this problem.

See if the tub will spin freely by hand. Spin it both ways. It should coast silently to a stop. If you hear a dragging sound or it doesn't spin smoothly look for a sock between the inner and outer tubs. Start looking in the upper left side at about the 10:00 and 11:00 positions. That's where i usually find them.
If it seems to spin ok then see if the inner tub wobbles separately from the outer drum. Push up on inner basket from inside. The outer drum and inner tub should rise and fall as a solid piece. If you feel a separation the bearings need replaced or the spider assembly has broken. Only a complete teardown can tell which. Hope this helps.

If you have removed the drive belt from the rear pulley and the inner spin basket does not spin freely, you either have a drum bearing seized up on you, or something binding between the spin basket (stainless steel tub) and the outer tub shell. First, you need to reach inside the wash tub with the washer empty. Place the palm of your hand at the 12 o'clock position and push straight up. There shouldn't be any play in the spin basket. If you can feel the basket wobble up and down, you have either a bearing problem, or a spin basket support (spider arm) broken on the back of the spin basket. If there is no play at all, you probably have something caught. Small articles of clothing can sometimes get pulled between the tubs and usually ends up around the support shaft in the rear. This will obstruct the basket from spinning freely and could eventually cause damage to the drive motor, spin basket and/or tub bearings. You can use the instructions for replacing a rear tub bearing that I have posted under my Tip and Tricks for instructions on how to disassemble and inspect the tub. The bearing may not be bad, but you still need to check to see if anything is binding the spin basket against the tub shell and inspect the spin basket supports. Unfortunately, you have to disassemble the washer to be able to inspect any of these items I mention. I hope this helps you.

What you need to check thoroughly are the belt & the 2 shocks (dampers). The dampers should be replaced & fitted tightly, broader ends fitted below.