I had some light grooves in mine on a 92 rm 125 i had years ago except I could slightly feel some grooves with my finger nail. Ran it with leaky seals for a couple months, which was a mistake!! I put new seals in mine and it always leaked from then on. not sure bout the scotch brite. I don't think I'd mess with it if it was me, I'd just make sure I kept good seals asap when they start leaking. I let dirt get up in mine and kept riding it and the grit wore grooves in em. I think your ok if you cant feel anything with ur finger nails though. maybe somebody else can give u some advice on the scotch brite!!