Just an update.....I've eliminated the front prop. Had the vehicle jacked up turning the front wheels...definately sounding like its coming from within the axle toward the o/s driverside. The 'hammering' noise certainly sounds like the shaft within axle - half shaft (?) on that side.
To add clues to the mystery, looking closer at that area it looks like the hub has been off/replaced (I've not had this one long), tho it wasnt making this noise when I bought it.


P.S To top it off, the other end n/s swivel is leaking like a good 'un! ho hum

Thanks for yor suggestion norseman, yes after much head scratching I tried that one, definately still had drive to front wheels and no I couldn't turn the front prop (just before I took it off).
Thanks for the thought, it's atleast another thing ticked off/ eliminated, although I've not ruled out that the front diff hasn't gone all horribly wrong just yet.
I'm going to have to take a look closer at the hub off and delve into maybe replacing the CV on that side?

I'm wondering how far I can get into the axle on that side without dismantling the swivel housing / joint side of things ie not disturb the disc and caliper?.... probably delaying the inevitable I guess, but I just want to probe into what's making the noise and see what parts I might need without completely disabling the car if possible .
I have a mates Frontera front struts to replace soon, so need to shift this black RR out of the way if necessary.