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@user82690
Hi. I realise it's a month later, but you might be interested in my dealings with an Alfine 8sp.
Firstly, the rusted internals of the sample hub, have probably been caused by the cones coming loose. The resulting "slack" on the axel, causes the large diameter seal on the drive side, to get distorted as it rotates, letting in water when it is wet.
Secondly, the broken 'bearing', is not a bearing. It is one of three clutches on the gear cluster. There are two (which you can see) on the outer diameter, and there is another buried inside. Depending on the gear selected, these engage/disengage, along with the sun and planet gears to provide propulsion. This is why it was ok in some gears, but not in others, as the clutch could not engage, as it was fubar!
On another point, I have read a number of times that you cannot use oil in an 8sp, as it leaks out. I beg to differ.... I have been running one with oil inside, on a MTB, for years, with no leaks.