broken driveshaft in 9.8hp

[neiljoyce]

The driveshaft in my 9.8 short shaft Mercury broke spontaneously at idle speed (and I didn't even hit anything!). After pulling the lower end I see that the shaft (.456" and part number 75034) broke below the level of the water pump, just at the bearing. I am working on trying to find a used shaft, but also wonder 1) why did it break? and 2) how do I get the (very short!) broken end out of the bearing and housing? I assume the bearing is pressed in and I can't get a grip on the broken stub of driveshaft.
Thanks for any suggestions!
Cheers,
Neil