My 5 yr old SQI 600 1.5 hp pool pump motor had started making high pitched 'growling-like' whining sounds just before it 'quit' (motor stopped working). Just before it 'quit working', the outer casing was 'hot' to the touch but there is no water leakage from the pump.

I opened the motor's casing and inspected the impeller and it was free and clear and it rotated freely, but I did notice that there was re 1-1/2" lengths of missing edges off of the cylindrical shaped molded PVC of opening of the pump fixture into which the motor's diffuser sets into.

Though the impeller looked to be free and clear, could the 'missing' broken PVC casing chips have been chewed up by the impeller and caused damage - bent rod, etc.?

Are bearing-rod rebuild kits available for this motor? What are my options?

Couldn't you just take the motor to a local (Thai) machine shop and have them replace the bearings - provided they stock the correct size bearing replacements - or are these motors too specialized?

Couldn't you just take the motor to a local (Thai) machine shop and have them replace the bearings - provided they stock the correct size bearing replacements - or are these motors too specialized?

I have been advised that unless I can locate a genuine mfg bearing set, I would be better off buying a new pump.

What quality brand / model 1.5 hp and 2.0 hp pool pumps would you guys recommend?

Of course you were told that as they want to sell you a new pump all done and dusted with no fuss. Most bearings are standard sizing and easily available but you need to remove the old ones first and read the numbers on the side, however based on what you told us your problem is not limited to bearings as the motor would only stop working if it seized up and you said it's free rotating so now it seems the windings are burned since the sides were hot (?) or you have tripped the high temp sensor which now also needs replacing I'd say at this point since you seem to be limited on technical resources to deal with it, a new pump is your best bet..

I'm partial to US brands for valid reasons, nothing equal to them here but they're more expensive, Hayward, Sta-Rite second to those an Aussie brand called Hurlcon, stay away from brands like Emaux they have fancy sounding European names but are Chinese rubbish..