hey thanks. i'll be sure to check up on those bearings. i never woulda thought to check those.

yeah, this was just recently as well. i had put the car away for a few months but last time i had it running, i probably went through 30+ before i just got sick of it. it's been costing too much.

i was also thinking, if i had some steel or aluminum gears milled out, precise copies of the original plastic ones, would that help the problem? or do you think it would cause added complications.. it would be easy for me, since i have many close family members who work metal, so i could get it done for free, i'm just wondering if it's worth asking someone for the favor.

thanks.