How to check countershaft bearings?
 

so i overtightened my chain and noticed after a while a crackling noise. Guess i didnt get it in time cuz some black stuff started dripping from where the front sprocket is. So after doing some research i think its the countershaft bearing which seems to be hell to get to. As far as i can figure you have to take out the engine. My question is however, is there a way to check the bearings before going through all the trouble of taking out the engine? Also, it looks like the countershaft and the bearings are all one piece. So if thats true do i have to buy the countershaft or can i just get the bearings?