I took the strut bolts off, caliper and brake disc,
had the wheel/hub hanging down, put on a bearing
puller (3 legged one) to try to push the axle inward?
it would not move in the slightest, gave up on it,
put the parts back on except the caliper,
I will put the brake caliper back on tomorrow.

My bro will see his mate (motor mechanic) said the
guy wont take anymore than £30 to do the boot gaiter then
I can put the X5 through an mot, I have already adjusted
the rear brakes and hand-brake cable, renewed the front speed
sensor cable (abs/dsc warning lights were on) renewed 2x anti roll
bars/drop links and sorted the rear indicator (bad connection)

Thanks for all the advice guys