u/CalvinsAndHobbies

I am looking to replace this gasket, went to the maytag website and it suggested I add silicone sealant for thus as well. I was quite shocked to see the silicone was almost $60 for a tube. My question is a) is the silicone necessary and b) if necessary is there an alternative I can use that isn't al.ost as much as the gasket or is this a special silicone? TIA