The old Crown Wheel and Pinion whining questions...

[allencr]

Jezza_hr Wrote:So, wouldn't the bearings require a minor amount of bedding in to calm the resistance and noise?

Yes, they can use some run-in so don't pull a trailer the first 50k & change the lube at 1000k. There may be a VERY light paste like cover on the magnet, it's grey and doesn't look like the metal it is, more like some modeling clay. Anything more then that signifies trouble.
The noise you hear is not from the bearings if it is most noticeable during light throttle level ground cruising, it turns on & off with slight throttle changes, and disappears with heavier throttle.