Creaky mother ******! What is it?

[Alan_M]

can the bearings be changed with the car jacked and axle in situ?

Yes, but they may be worn so badly that you need a new tube. The beam on my HDi made the same creaky noises, and I knew it was buggered. Swapped for a rebuilt VTS one and on stripping the knackered one down, the damage was terminal (99% sure it was because the previous owner had lowered it and didn't replace the seals, preferring to continue using the now disturbed 14yo ones instead!).