The message
from "Phil" contains these words:

Is there a bearing that supports the front of the drum?
No.

Is that the likely cause?
No! But what can happen is that the bearing can allow the inner drum to
touch the outer drum - but by then it's usually so far gone you can tell
by waggling it.

It does sound a lot like it's the bearing, but don't rule out something
silly like a bra-wire stuck round the heater rubbing on the inner drum.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.