Just one more thought in my own defense:

When I removed the pump motor and got the impeller to turn freely, I energized it on a cinder block while it was still isolated. My ears did not hear bad bearings! And I know what bad bearings sound like.

Just sayin' ...

Meanwhile, I have since learned (thanks to wonderful YouTube) that the front & rear bearings are '6203', available via Amazon, etc. for a fraction of the cost of a new motor. All you need is a 3-arm bearing puller, a strap wrench (to grip the impeller), and some patience.