suzuki 40hp noise in shaft or behind prop

[adjustedpete]

I have a suzuki CV 40hp and when I returned from a trip, and was flushing the motor I heard a noise in the shaft or behind the prop(perhaps bearing?). I didnt notice any power loss or hear the noise while underway. What could it be?

 

[wailedcentipede]

a dumb answer but put a wrench on the prop first ??? i idled back to the dock once with the prop backed off and weird noise coming from it ... wc

 

[Jack in Alaska]

Thrust washer gone/backwards/worn out?????