Grinding noise and plastic bits in washing machine
It appears the spider that holds the drum to the spindle is cracked and the tub no longer centers when spun. The early aluminum spider designs were terrible, the accumulation of phosphates and other washer chemicals remained in contact with the recesses in the material and eventually corroded it.  While the part may be replaceable, it it is very expensive and invasive repair.  To confirm this, spin the drum by hand and check for any wobble.