"Flat spots on the bearings? Does anyone have documentation of that?"
something related: I've experienced [in a wet climate with cold winters] that when the axle sits in one position for extended periods, the bearing parts exposed above the oil gradually lose the oily/greasy protection and pick up some corrosion from the condensation that'll happen from changing temps .... makes for problems when the bearings start turning high RPMs again and may be what's been interpreted as "flat spots"
it's helpful to move it around regularly if it's going to sit for a long time - takes care of the tires too
Bill
