That was the noise yesterday? Any case, put the PTO unit in the oven, 350, for about 15 mins. Bearings should slide right out without effort.. That is as long as the PTO shaft is out.
Not a big fan of the oven, not that it wont work I just think thats to much heat to subject the parts too. I use a propane torch holding the PTO with a pair of pliers. The PTO shaft must be out and to remove that we use what they call a bearing splitter.
follow this link to get an idea of what that looks like.