I too agree with Tweak. If somebody put the welder ground on the shaft when they welded it, then the bearings will most likely be damaged. I wouldn't think replacement bearings would be all that expensive, but installing them might be a PITA. It's a shame to see a Baldor motor done that way. They are indeed quality motors......which makes you wonder why its new and for sale in the first place. They might just be trying to recover what they can from the cost of it. I would suspect shipping charges alone might be a deal breaker. What a pity.