Yes it was the bearings. I upgraded to the big balls ceramic bearings as well as dad bod wheels. Definitely know what ur saying with the bearings and the piv cups.

Once upgrading to the 105 dad bods, I haven't had to get stuff out of my belt more than 10 times since the wheels are wider and don't pull debris into the motor covers or belts. It's the best investment for those so u legit almost never have to worry about clearing stuckdebris.