The axxle "clips" into the diff with a circlip. Using a fair amount of force we managed to get it out. With all the balls and bits coming out of the shaft we found the knock. It was the bearing on the end of the axle that has failed. The reason for this (according to Mitsu) is the outer dust cover that came off and water and filth entering the bearing.
There was nearly nothing left off the bearing. To remove it was a mission in itself as no normal bearing pullers ect, could fit in the space and with the bearing collapsing the outer part was firmly stuck.
We ended up welding a long bolt the the inner side of the bearing and
gently
helped it out with a hammer.
Fitting the new one was easy. Press the inner cover over the axle followed by the bearing, axle goes back into the housing followed by the outer dust cover. Parts are not that expensive, R175 for the complete kit with dustcovers from the dealers and another R50 at an Engineering firm to get the bearing and cover pressed onto the axle.