age and a misspent youthWhoohoo.
How did I miss this whole thread?
The box had fresh oil and new bearings fitted by mgf specialist just over a year ago (at a cost of £1400)by previous owner.
judging by the mashed up casing where the bearing lived ,I think it's possible the bearings went before and the new one wasn't seated very well.
What little oil was left in there (most of it is in Focus DIY's car park) still looked like new .Wonder if I can get another pinion/transfer drive gear/shaft to repair it.