Wanted to give this a bump -- With the Sprite pressed into daily driver service, I've noticed the bearing noise getting louder, even though I have loosened the belt. I'm vacillating between putting in the spare generator, which I've never run, or just keep this one going for a few more days. I can deal with the noise, so long as the generator doesn't actually freeze up. It looks like I should have my Jetta back by the middle of next week, and I'm using another vehicle all weekend. It's about a 30 mile round trip to my office.