What is this?

[Kmenage]

Hi, 

my washing machine was working fine until last week on a spin cycle I heard something fall out. The spin continued but was making a rubbing sound. When we took the back off to look, we found the below (see photo below) spring coil thing at the bottom of the machine. We have no idea what it is or where it came from so we can put it back. The machine is still working but when it gets to spin cycle it’s still making the running noise. Anyone know what the problem is or where the coil has come from?? I would really appreciate any help. Thanks 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Hello. I don't recognise it. And also there's no way of judging scale without something at the side of it. The first thing I would do is look very carefully over the whole of the washing machine (with it disconnected of course) to see if there is another one somewhere else on the machine that would explain its purpose. Also what type of machine is it? Doesn't look like a part from a front loading washing machine.

[Robc08]

It's the packing from a transit bolt