Had the same problem, 4yr old machine. I wound up buying an identical unit on Craigslist for about $300. I plan to replace the bearing on my old unit and sell it online. If I'm lucky, I'll break even. There is a pretty good video (2 parts) on YouTube; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqgfP3wM7es. You will need tool to press the bearing but lots of people sell the bearing and tool (3 day rental) on ebay for ~$100.