I am seeking some help diagnosing my Kenmore Laundry Center (stackable), model 41799370110. It has been a fine unit, until ...

A few days ago I heard the belt squealing, and smelled burning rubber. I could see that the basket was not spinning, but it had drained successfully. Sooo, I run down and get myself a new belt, put it on, and started another load. With the new belt on, the machine agitated normally, so I left it alone, only to have my house fill with smoke about 10 minutes later. The new belt is now toast.

So I have the entire unit apart now, and feel that the problem is in the gearbox (transmission). This is what I have: the pulley shaft turns normally in one direction, and I can see the agitator shaft moving in its normal motion. However, the shaft will not turn in the other direction, even when I wrench on it, and neither will the bearing block. I then partially disassembled the gearbox, and noted that with the pulley shaft snap ring/washer/bronze washer removed, I am able to push the shaft in slightly, and the pulley shaft now turns in the opposite direction, but starts to tighten (which I assume is normal). It does bind a little though. Any thoughts?