When the condenser first starts there is a slight grinding noise. Fan spins as it should and the grinding goes away. Are the bearings going out in the motor? Unit is level and has been cleaned. There is maybe a quarter inch of free play in the shaft trying to slide it in and out.
Any help would be appreciated.

Slight Grinding is usually not good, I would look to Grainger, Marcone, or other way to avoid high price, last minute buy.
Be sure motor spins the right direction (up), swapping 2 wires will correct, be sure you get the capacitor for it, usually on nameplate.

Slight Grinding is usually not good, I would look to Grainger, Marcone, or other way to avoid high price, last minute buy.
Be sure motor spins the right direction (up), swapping 2 wires will correct, be sure you get the capacitor for it, usually on nameplate.

Thanks, my thoughts have been confirmed. I had already been searching Graingers site.

Go to your local HVAC contractor, they usually have all kinds of fans and motors around. Most are interchangeable as long as they are the same HP

Are we sure the grinding is in the fan motor not the compressor?