This is exactly the kind of input i was hoping for! I have exactly the tool you describe, milwaukee calls it the "M-Spector 360 Rotating Digital Inspection Camera" but i call it the 'rectal probe'. Best part of this one over my dad's cheapie $65 model; the head is 1/2 the diameter (1/4 the cross-sectional area)!

In any event with 131131 miles hit yesterday and my dash completely open under my footwell (chasing an open wire gremlin; neither my puddle light or my left side signal work)... maybe i can get up from below, if not i'll try the center vent or pop the radio method (i need to remove to fix the 'klingon' display issue on the MID).

oh and i pretty much meant bushing vs bearing; not sure if this motor is vertical or horizonal axis but usually they are vertical; my brothers was very smart design; vertical axis held up by the magnetic forces so no axial load on the bushing at all (except when hitting bumps in the road)

-awr