Metal shavings in my Quaife Gear Drive Unit

[BioBa]

During inspection I noticed a large amount of metal shavings in the bottom oil line and the oil line leading to the oil cooler. None of the visible gears show any significant wear. Gear drive unit otherwise seems to be working fine.
A) Where could these shavings come from?
B) Shall I clean and flush with fresh oil and keep on driving until it gives up or would it be finacially more economical to rebuild right away?
C) Anybody has a good unit for sale?

[BioBa]

Another picture of some of the shavings

[Simon T]

It's fked, take it out and get it serviced

S

[BertBert]

wot he said!

[BioBa]

There are several balls missing!
I have removed the gear drive and took it to a machine shop to fully dismantle.
Any pointers would be highly appreciated!

[radical78]

one ball getting between 2 gears will destroy your gbox. count the balls in a new bearing and make sure you find all the old ones

[BioBa]

The missing balls have disintegrated into metal dust. The ball guides are heavily worn as a result. Amazing that the unit kept on running in spite of the oil being saturated with metal particles.

[austurbine]

I have just rebuilt my drive unit, they are simple to repair with no real set up issues, as the bearings are radial due to the straight cut nature of the gears, It appears the phenolic cage has disintegrated in the bearing I would suggest due to contamination. My sugestion is to strip it completely including the quafie diff. PM me I can help from cold Melbourne