[slonomo]

You can replace the shaft and bearings, but you'll have to remove the transaxle and disassemble it. Not an easy task if you've never done that kind of work before. If you aren't afraid of it, go for it. Don't order the new parts until you are sure what failed and that you can do the work. If it's bad, you can't really ruin it any worse than it is right? A good used transaxle will run you $200-$400 depending upon condition. If you can find one at a reasonable cost, it would be easier to remove and replace the whole unit, rather taking one apart for repair.