Broken spider has mangled this part - but what is it?

[faffingagain]

Hi,

I have my Hotpoint Washer Dryer (WD71P) in bits. Each leg of the spider had completely fractured and whilst disintegrating it has bust off a component inside the rear drum.

Can anyone tell me what the function of this component is in the washer design. The component is a piece of thin plate metal approx 4" x 1" and was originally screwed by 2 screws to the drum just below the inlet/outlet to the dryer assembly.

A picture of the mangled metal plate is shown below where it used to ( I guess) be located.

View media item 3450
I intend to go ahead and fit a new spider but if this component is critical to the dryer I may not be able to use the dryer in the future.

thanks

 

[breezer]

havent got a water softener have you?

 

[rocks1]

its only a water scoop nothing to worry about thow it away that part was no longer made 2 years ago .it goes on the drum where the condenser fits ,.ps good luck getting spider of have you taken the nut of the pulley

 

[breezer]

we used to have a U shaped bar to hold it still and a big ring spanner