The usual failure mode is that one of the active devices in the chip fails. The output stage is then a push pull stage with only one amplifier device in operation. The result is not only a weaker signal due to lower average power, but a distorted output waveform which produces a wider signal than the acceptable legal ssb signal would be. Except for cw mode, I guess. On the microwave band the transmitted signal would also be wide band and distorted. So the recommended action is to replace the output stage with a new board, amplifier device etc.
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