Can this be removed somehow???

Hi guys, i got under my freelander today to have a look at joints etc as i keep getting a clicking / ticking noise coming from front underneath when i drive, as i drive faster noise gets quicker,,, put the car through its mot with it and got nothing accept mot pass certificate but still annoying noise.
Anyway, my propshaft has already been removed, the only thing under the car that i find is making a noise is this particular thing in image.
I dont know if its usual but i can turn it approximately 1 inch maybe a little more clockwise and it makes a small clunking noise once it moves so was wondering if it was this???
Also is there a way i can remove this as the propshaft obviously is no longer on there so presume not needed but being female may be completely wrong and maybe normal??

any responses will be apreciated. Thanks

obviously i mean the circular thing almost central of the image.

Thats yer ird pinion gear. Yer can removing it un fit an ird blanking plate as sold on ebay. That way yer will still be 2wd as yer is at the moment. Will need to fill up yer ird wiv oil again as it will jump out when yer removes the pinion gear.

thanks hippo, am gonna pick up kit this week and hopefully get it done next weekend - weather permitting!!!