b/c thats what the shop said when i looked at it the metal part that spins was rubbing the opti to where it would barely spin the new one spins fine so do you think this is my stumbling problem man i hope so b/c this is an expensive job

 

dunno if thats ur problem, but yes the bearing can do that

 

That is one of the early opti's big weak points that cheesy bearing..
Also it's a nonobtainable bearing[I tried]
But yes they get 'rough' and that makes the slotted wheel 'stutter' etc..

 

yes it can go bad, i just replaced my whole opti. it was expensive but itll make the world of difference, thats why they say change it once your waterpump goes. opti gets wet, its toast. and you have to take the damn pump off to get to the opti. gm engineering :-)