I thought as much.... with not even 2000 mile on the clock, the cush drive and sprocket carrier bearing is shot.
This has been a bugbear of mine and I have expected this from day one.
In Capt Motos poll I mentioned in 'my wants' an 18" wheel with no cush drive for this reason.
Now I have the catalyst in my head to source this mod............
I'd like to keep the rim but have a fixed type sprocket/hub arrangement. If you have experience of such a mod, please contact me with some info, thanks.

Timpo.