Appreciate the responses. I need time to look into it further, then I'll get back to you all. From what I'm reading here, what broke is called the spindle. It broke between the left side crank and the left side cup (external, not inside between the cups.). It seems to have been partially fractured for a while, because the surface of the break is partially covered w/ oil, whereas the rest of the surface is fresh. I agree. I never thought it could break! Sorry, no pics. This 'puter and me--grrrrr!