short version: replacing bearings/shaft in top loading maytag braovs MVWB750WQ1 (circa 2012 ish maybe?). bearings and shaft are in after a lot of mallet and hammer use but not sure that it is "spinning freely" what could be causing it to bind up?

long winded version:
Hi all, Many thanks to all those who have come before and made videos or step by steps of repairing their top loading bravos - my moms machine started making noise over a year ago and somehow neither she nor I ever got around to calling to have it fixed, then recently leaking lots of water out of the center, repair folks said it wasn't worth what it would cost... so I am trying to fix it.
Getting the inner tub out was easy, no struggle like many folks experienced, so I was foolishly optimistic about the project. Getting the shaft out was an ordeal. Getting the bearings out was even worse. the bottom bearing is completely rusted and just fell apart, leaving just the outer race - luckily it had moved down a tiny bit so there was a little bit of a lip I could catch at a certain angle so I did ultimately get it out. Top bearing is rusted and not working either but still mostly one piece, unlike the bottom. Finally got it all removed.

Getting the new bearings in was similarly really difficult. The new bearing didn't quite fit on the bearing tool (the old one does fit on it) nor did a second replacement - both from whirlpool, not aftermarket - so I spun the insertion tool in sandpaper for a minute and that did the trick. However, even with the tool getting the bearings in was difficult - the bottom one seemed to go on but the top one wasn't setting in all the way. Tried half a dozen times but could never get the nut to go on further to push that top bearing in. I did not use grease because saw someone in a forum say you shouldn't, and a couple of the videos I watched they did not use grease, though on some they did. If I try to take it apart and do it over I probably will try grease.
At any rate, I used the old bearing and the insertion tool insert and a wood block and a hammer to get the bearing all the way in (I think?) but I wonder if its not quite straight or something - I got the shaft in but only after A LOT of hammering and I can turn it, but I don't think I would describe it as spinning freely. I put the motor and everything back on but have paused before putting in the seal and sealant - I don't want to do that if I'm just going to have to take it all apart again - so, any tips about what counts as spinning freely, and any thoughts about what might be causing the shaft to feel sort of tight? I'm not at the machine now so not 100% but I think the description would be that I can turn it with my full hand, but not with just my fingers. does it need to break in? do I need to take it apart and try again?