we just replaced the bearings on our maytag neptune front loader. We had to do this, when we called Maytag they would not just sell the bearings, you had to buy the tub, spinner arms and something else, on top of labor. If we let them do it, it would cost around $1000--price of a new washer. What we found by researching was that using non-HE detergent seemed to be the main cause of this (and a non-sealed bearing) but combo between the two caused it's downfall. I've learned my lesson and will not use any other detergent besides HE in my front loader. Our first clue that something was wrong was that the washer sounded like a jet taking off in the spin cycle.
