HELP NEEDED Charade 1995 with HC-E engine, bad engine oil leak from bellhousing area

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My engine was 100% oil tight up to 46,000 miles when suddenly without any prior warning a very bad engine oil leak appears overnight from the bell housing area suggesting that the rear main seal has failed. I have checked the breather hoses and pcv valve and these appear to be clear and functioning corractly. Can anyone please suggest what may cause sudden failure of the rear main seal? (Assuming this is the leak source). One would expect a seal to start leaking gradually, giving warning of pending failure.