In reply to cuppatea:
> Soak with WD40 or Plus Gas and then lubricate with 3 in 1 or similar. It will be easier to get at all sides of the column if you can jack the front of the car up and have a helper turn the steering back and forth while spraying.
>
> Let us all know how you get on. >
I inspected the intermediate joint from inside the car yesterday and that seemed fine so got underneath and had a look at the bottom joint. There was nothing visually wrong but I couldn't get my hands to it to do anything. How the hell are you supposed to repair these things without taking off the subframe?
Anyway, I sprayed it with loads of WD40 and turned the wheel full lock each way and resprayed but I couldn't get a can of thicker oil anywhere close enough to put any on.
Took it for a test drive but couldn't really tell if there was any improvement, perhaps a fraction but it might have been wishful thinking.
Looks like it might have to be a garage job, ouch.