Noise from rear axle

[tiaf124]

Every time i change the gear i am hearing a slight metal noise from the rear of my 124 .It is rather difficult to spot from the inside the exact point where the noise comes from , but most likely comes from the rear left wheel . . Sometimes when i start the car and leave really smoothly the pedal i can hardly hear it but otherwise i hear a single "tap" noise in every gearchange .I am not hearing when cruising or passing over a small ditch or a curb, pit in the road , I am only hearing during gear-change just after i leave the clutch pedal.A couple of days ago i lifted the rear of my car to inspect it . Every time i was moving the propshaft with my hand i heard a similar noise coming from the inside of the rear left hub, where the left halfshaft connects to the rear wheel .I 've heard some 124 owners claiming that the 124 diff had a scrown-wheel mesh play issue and therefore noisy but in my occasion the noise comes from the left end of the axle .
What seems to be the problem any ideas to help ?
Thanks

[vandor]

It is possible that there is too much play in the ring and pinion and that makes the noise. Also check your outer wheel bearings.
When you turn the axle by hand the noise could be the brake pads if their springs are broken.

[tiaf124]

Thanks for the reply . Rear bearing failure passed from mind too. As far as i remember from the last front bearing change , rotten bearings make a continious rambling noise and vibration which increases during acceleration while i am just hearing a single metal noise during gear-change .I ll check it too .
Is there anyway to check whether the rear bearings are in good condition or not without dismantling the whole rear halfshaft ?

[vandor]

Is there anyway to check whether the rear bearings are in good condition or not without dismantling the whole rear halfshaft ?

Usually they will make more noise during a turn. Also check for play in the wheel.