[Bala]

One thing I don't understand (or not educated on) is why am I finding the metal pieces at the bottom - oil pan. These should have gone thru the filter and actually should be in the filter no? Don't think those pieces just came loose when I turned off the car and then proceeded to drain the oil and removed the pan.

Just tried feelyx's suggestion and used a magnet. NONE of the pieces stick. There are also some tiny pieces black in color. Plastic maybe?

So, if the LN bearing is not sealed and is lubricated by oil, and the contaminants (metal) can come from elsewhere, there is a high probability that it can damage that bearing as well. So, a sealed one is much better bet not considering lubrication factor? Your take on an upgraded seal bearing makes a lot of sense to me. Of course the IMSG would allow just in time intervention if a disaster was going to happen in all cases. But, no such bearing exists does it. Can a OEM bearing be purchased, upgraded lubrication and upgraded seal be made to order?