Ipod Classic - how to tell if internal iPod Classic drive is Kaput

My well loved, well used iPod Classic is no longer syncing accurately, and every 3rd time or so that I attempt to sync music or podcasts it will just cycle and cycle (as evidenced by the cycling wheel on the iPod screen) but then abruptly on my Finder - which was also simultaneously showing syncing activity - up will come a notification that I've ejected my device (which I've not done, not even touched nor jostled the device).

At the same as this Finder alert message abruptly appears, the iPod device's screen continues to show that the iPod is cycling / syncing, perfectly uninterrupted.

When I finally do eject the iPod device, invariably the content -- generally a new playlist for my fitness class - is in accurate.

I fear my device is failing. Should I start by forcing a device erase and reformat of my iPod Classic before I give up?

Like many people, I have a jillion songs and playlists from CDs I've input 10+ years ago that I can't bear to lose.