@Thermo1223 sorry if I missed it, but which washer did you wind up going with? Older thread here, but I'm in the same boat today. It seems anything you see online sort of leans towards LG for you standard homeowner grade front load washer.
Our LG TROMM WM2077CW, that I bought from Lowes back in 2005 or 06 started howling from it's bearings today. Family of 6 use most of it's life. I haven't had to replace a single thing on it with nearly 18yrs of use! I clean the bellows regularly and have checked the pump strainer a bunch of times, never finding even a hair ball in there. We always leave the door open on it when not in use.
I watched a few youtube videos on replacing bearings on these. I don't want to even try given the age. I can get a new LG front loader delivered from one of the local box stores for just under $800+ tax. I think I paid around $600-700 for my 18yr/old LG.