To know if you have a Thrust Bearing or a bad trans, you can do the following. Raise the top, so the switch is still made but you can put your hand into the tub. Start the unit in spin and after the motor kicks in, see if you can easily rotate the tub. If you can, and it is smooth, your brake is released and your trans is bad. IF you can't. Make sure your motor is pivoting smoothly on it's plate, make sure your belt is not completely greased up or shot, make sure you do not have an article of clothing stuck between the tubs. If the last checks come up empty, your brake is not releasing and a Thrust Bearing will get you going.