Don't worry too much about those gears, they can be replaced. You can get the "after-market" replacements from Brewer. Don't remember if it was at Bernina University or somewhere else, but I remember being told that those gears are a "nylon alloy" -- whatever that means. The vertical shaft gear is about $70, and the camstack gear is about $33. It's not an easy job, but I think the old Bernina's are worth it.