Mate I was afraid it would turn out to be the lay shaft bearing
over tight chain is the main cause of these failing.
Yep cases need splitting and don't forget about the circlip, these often wear too, hopefully the circlip rebates not and it's a good idea to change the oil seal too.

Yep cases need splitting and don't forget about the circlip, these often wear too, hopefully the circlip rebates not and it's a good idea to change the oil seal too.
Later