next time you,ve got the stator cover off, try and pull the flywheel up and down.if you get any discernable play, your bearings need attention.i would advise any new/prospective 5 owner to check this when buying, or in your case,as soon as its viable. this is unlikely to cause the noises you speak of, but theres a lot of inertia and other forces which will make an expensive mess of your new baby.protect your investment and check it before winding her out...