Washing Machine issue - help diagnose please. Front loader Wont turn!

[cbr shadow]

I have a front loading washing machine that came with my house so I'm not sure how old it is.  We've lived there for 3 years and had no issues with it until now.  My wife put clothes in there and it wouldn't turn. during the washing cycle.  I removed half of the load and tried gain and it went for a few turns and then slowed to a stop.  I removed all but just a few items and it did the same thing.
I have no idea what I'm doing working on these.  Generally for a person in my position what is the best option?  Is it possible the motor is burning out?  If so, is that a part worth replacing?  Easy to replace?  I found on craigslist there are nice washing machines to be had in my area for $200-$400.
Thanks,
Ryan

[cbr shadow]

I'll start begging.... I'll do it..

[Lil_Bit]

Can you post the MFR and Model number?  This will help with some research.

I recently repaired my top load washing machine.  There was a lid switch that was sticking on mine.
But I'll see if I can help.

[fodder69]

Don't be afraid to take it apart and look. Is it making any funny noises? What is the model #?

[cbr shadow]

Thanks for the responses.  This is the:
Frigidaire Washer FWT645RHS0

[fiveoh]

  Any funny noises? 

[Exflyboy]

They are pretty simple mechanical devices.

If it is turning juat a little bit then the motor is probably turning..Turn the motor by hand and make sure it spins freely (if not the bearing is siexing up).

If the motor spins ok do the same with the drum.. if it sounds moisy is probably the drum bearing.

If both spin freely then the mechanism between the motor and drum is probably slipping.. Could be a belt or a rubber wheel.

Have to take it apart to diagnose.

Frank

[cbr shadow]

No funny noises.
I will try turning the motor/drum this evening - thanks for the info.

[Greg]

I have almost the same one.  Does the drum rotate smoothly without shifting around?  When the spider arm on the back of the drum breaks (aluminum arm corrodes) the drum won't rotate evenly. 

They have an off-balance sensor that might affect the rotation if something's wrong.  Double check all the settings on the front.

Your problem sounds more like a slipping belt or something else.  If you can remove the back, see if you see anything that looks out of place.  A new belt would be an easy fix.

[Nords]

Thanks for the responses.  This is the:
Frigidaire Washer FWT645RHS0

You could enter that into the search box at FixItNow.com and get:

http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner-pub-7521491548675802%3A2395757205&ie=UTF-8&q=Frigidaire+Washer+FWT645RHS0&sa=Search&siteurl=fixitnow.com%2F&ref=&ss=&siteurl=fixitnow.com%2F&ref=&ss=#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=Frigidaire%20Washer%20FWT645RHS0&gsc.page=1

including:
http://fixitnow.com/laundry-appliance-repair-help/washing-machine-repair-faq/
http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/Washing-Machine-Repair-Help
http://appliantology.org/topic/34517-frigidaire-fwt645rhs0-wont-spin-inconsistent-troubleshooting-results/