If you have a Shop-Vac, you can use it to drain the water. Pull out the drain hose to the washing machine, stick your shop-vac suction hose into the drain hose, seal your hand around the drain hose and turn on the shop-vac. It will suck most of the water out of the washer. You may have to empty the shop-vac several times depending on how much water is in the washer.

You are probably hearing the balance ring liquid sloshing if you turn the tub by hand. This balance ring is part of the Neptune's balancing system.

The Neptunes are heavy without any water in them. Did you know that there are 2 concrete weights in there? Again, these are part of the balancing system these front loaders need to keep the tub spinning at a decent spin speed.

Why don't you replace those bearings and keep your Neptune for a back up? You can purchase the bearings and seal kit from Neptune Bearing for about $80 and fix it your self. Plus, you can rent the amazing Tony Tool which will help you change those bearings even quicker and it includes a DVD that shows the disassembly, bearing change and the seal kit installation.

Don't forget to change the faulty door latch wax motor if your Neptune has a timer knob. See Neptune Help Song for a video that explains the faulty wax motor issue.