This topic has been covered before but just to update a little. My furler has gradually been getting harder to operate: last time I was out I could barely get my head sail in because the furler was so tight- had to use the winch. It is a Schaefer 2100. At the dock I confirmed that it had to be the bearing and ordered the replacement/upgraded  bearing drum from Schaefer. I was pleased to learn that this part was still available and that Schaefer's upgrades are done so that they are still compatible with older units. $180. Biggest improvement is built in flush holes.
I found a short but informative video on youtube that covered the replacement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5oyS4RotUI
Longest part of the process was loosening the rigging so I could disconnect the forestay.  Other than a little anxiety about dropping some key part overboard, it all went together easily and now works like a charm.
The drum that I took off was completely frozen- could not be turned by hand. However it looks like it could be disassembled cleaned up and made functional again.