The spider or support connects and supports the inner drum in designs that use one. An off-center condition may justify inspection, but it does not by itself confirm a breakage.
Separating support and suspension
The suspension moves the tub assembly relative to the cabinet. The bearings and shaft maintain the relationship of the inner drum with that assembly. The visible play should describe which part is moving.
Uneven rubbing at the seal, a dropped position, or localized play may accompany damage to the spider, shaft, or bearings. Do not force a spin cycle to tell them apart if the drum is already contacting other parts.
What the inspection requires
The integrity of the support, the shaft surface, joints, corrosion, and the condition of related components must be assessed. The extent of disassembly depends on the platform and requires equipment to handle the assembly stably.
The cause of corrosion cannot be inferred automatically from the detergent used. An exterior inspection also does not reveal all the damage that may appear once it is taken apart.
Replacement parts and repair scope
Check whether the parts breakdown includes the spider separately or the complete drum. The estimate should clarify whether it includes the shaft, bearings, sealing, and any affected components. That difference may change the decision to repair.
Do not improvise welds, reinforcements, or fasteners to restore a rotating part. The solution must preserve alignment, strength, and balance in accordance with a documented repair.
A repaired or replaced support must be validated together with the associated bearings and seals, not just by the disappearance of the initial rubbing.