Thanks for the replies! Norman, here is my roller bearing, I guess it is the caged type.


After posting my question I went ahead and *tried* to drill one hole at the top of the rod. What you heard is correct, it is very hard to drill and exceeded the limits of my bits, snapped four. Drilling was easy 95% of the way through and the last 5% is either hardened or hard-chrome plated or something. I never was able to get through it. After reading your post I think the risk of finishing/properly deburring the hole is higher than the risk of lube starvation. This was all prompted by a friend who I've been corresponding with- he just experienced engine failure and attributed it to the cage coming apart associated with over-rev and lube starvation due to no holes.

Thanks again