Wave washer bearing on water softener

[jamie41391]

So it's been 9 months since I've had soft water - I've done everything suggested on the web as well as replace gaskets, clean venturi a million times, brine valve etc. I had it apart again last night and happened to notice the wave washer bearing, which just looks like a white washer, that belongs under the wave washer is missing? I ordered 1 last night............my question is what is the purpose of this washer and would not having one on there cause me not to have soft water? This is a whirlpool whes30. It's six years old and after all I've done to try and fix I would like to just replace it but it isn't an option. Whats happening is it will regenerate through all modes but I notice when it's brining there is definitely water going out the drain hose but the level of water in the brine tank itself does not recede? It's an annoying mystery to this 65 year old chick. I'd appreciate any feedback from some knowledgeable people. Oh, and no plumbers around here will work on this type of softener