Occasionally it will squeak too. The rod is a bit rusty, and I had to use a good amount of teflon tape and some teflon paste to keep it from dripping (threaded connection to the basket). Seems that enough of it needs replaced, buying new is the better choice.
It's a 2 HP 2-speed. I'm thinking about replacing it with a 1 HP 2 speed Hayward: SP15922S (Power-Flo Matrix). From the research I've done it seems that low speed GPM is enough for my Pentair Minimax 100 heater. Other than that I don't seem to have a need for 2 HP.
Currently it's still working, might as well run it in to the ground. Or until I can't stand the noise!