I still remember the DEC field service tech repairing
an RC11/RS64 fixed head disk
drive with a bad motor. He disassembled the drive to take out the spindle motor
(which is also the platter spindle), sent it off to Appleton Electric Motors for new
bearings, then put it all back together. Worked just fine, didn't even lose any
data.
I think I'd be the one who strips the motor, pulls off the old
bearings and presses on
the replacements.
Clearly you're working at that level, which even by the standards of 1974
professional
computer technicians is right at the top of the field.
But I've not learnt to swap oiut the alternator when I can't find the
tyre that is flat yet...
-tony