merCruiser 3.0 removed drive and seen broken metal pieces

[Hectorb24]

Hello I have a sea ray 1997 MerCruiser 3.0 motor and drive. I remove the drive in where the gimbal bearing is at I see broken metal pieces and a metal ring inside what could it be? What needs to be done and how do I go to fix it?

 

[Bt Doctur]

how much noise was it making before it let loose

 

[dubs283]

looks like the flange where the u joint bellows attaches has broken off in a couple places. might not even get a new gimbal bearing to seat properly. most likely need a new gimbal housing

like doc asks, how much noise was this making and really how long did you ignore it?

 

[Hectorb24]

It started soft then got really loud is when i took out the water.