well i have removed the gearbox on inspection there was no grease on the shaft but it does not look dry or damaged to me .i am a bit confused now if the shaft is not the problem i guess it must be a bearing problem . is there anything else i can check without splitting the gearbox this is beyond me . could there be anything in the driveshaft causing the noise .while i have the box and swing arm off is there any other service items you would suggest the swing arm bearings seem fine if all else fails i shall have to send the gearbox to a profesional any ideas in the southeast essex area. cheers chris