Hi my drive shafts appear knackered, Should there be any slop from side to side if i take hold of one and pull it towards the wheel, I have a loud tapping noise from the rear left side when cornering left at lower speeds. How easy is it to remove the drive shaft? Do you have to remove the gearbox?

 

Remove the bolts on each side, and drop the shaft out. No need to remove the transaxle. You might also want to inspect the wheel bearings on that side to make sure they are in good shape.