Drive shaft and Thrust Bearing removed

Something seems to be missing from this bearing....

drive shaft is pitted around where the thrust bearing sits

silver gob of crap is a horrible patch job for the electric shift cable

removed the silver gob of crap to show the slice through the cable.

The upper and lower gear cases are seperate.

OOOPS guess ill have to repack that bearing.  Atleast I found all the parts.

There sits the lower gear case.  Still need to pull the gears out but ran outta time before work.

Hmmm more of the silver gob crap that they tried to use as a sealant.... what's this metal piece?

Seriously what's this metal piece? it's not listed in my parts manual or repair manual.... oh crap....