>>> I periodically check my bearings by grabbing the tips of the propellor, alternatively pushing on one and pulling on the other to see if there's any radial runout. >>>

Gosh, I like that. That would be percieved as "wiggle" in the crank rather than straight in and out. I am really, really going to try hard to remember that, lol.

At what stage of wear would you guys say bearings are when you can put your ear down on the fuselage (great sound amplifier unless it's a profile) and hear a slight growl when turning the prop gently back and forth?

Thanks,

Ernie