Replace the coupler because replacing the basket drive,which is probably what's causing the sudden stops,is too costly and not a DIY job. You'll still get many miles from it but price a basket drive at Sears + $100 labor.

I sell it off my truck for $112.95 plus $49.95 diagnostic fee, plus 1 hr. labor at $25 a quarter hr., plus tax. You'd be looking at $271.09. This is why I hardly ever sell them. It's only on my truck for warrenty reasons.
Dan@Poletski's Appliance Repair

How do you replace them? I know how to remove the tranny. After that I wouldn't know what to do, does the spin tube just slide out? Is the clutch easy to repair? I am obviously not going to do this since my washer is brand new but in 10 years or so when the thing is a little worn out, I will do a tear down and replace of parts. The tranny looks pretty easy to take off. (3 bolts or so, remove and slide tranny out.) Would you say whirlpool makes the simplest washer? If not, who does? (I am full of questions tonight.)

Hi Dan:

I do not understand how replacing the brake assembly can be an option. Either it is broke or it isn't. Like I said, the washer was fine for about the first two years. I need to replace the outer tub because it cracked at the bottom from taking one too many bangs when stopping, so I assume I will be getting into where the brake is. Is there a sure sign which would indicate that I needed to replace the brakes?

If you know how to get right into the drive tube assembly and can remove the brakes, go for it, you will also look at the high price of a new ass. While you are removing the broken tub, you might as well replace the center post seal. (that is the seal in the hole of the outer tub.) An update on mine though, I think I was imagining the sudden stops with mine, it just makes a little scrape noise and stops. (the scrape is only noticable when I am next to the washer.) The tub doesn't jerk to the left very much (maybe an inch or less.)

Hi Dan:

Here is my final question:

What kind of grease does Whirlpool recommend for the drive shafts on their direct-drive washers?

I took it all apart successfully and I think I know what the problem is. Now I just need to put everything back in, and I need to grease things up a bit.
Thanks for everything.

OK, I know you asked Dan, but I will just tell you I don't think you have to put grease on the shafts. The grease you saw was probably from a leaky tranny seal. (Dan, please correct me if i'm wrong.)