[Steering & Suspension] Intermittent subtle knocking/notch from under steering wheel

[RAB59]

In low gears I  now hear  subtle intermittent knocking and feel subtle intermittent  'notch' in the steering wheel. The steering seems unaffected. The tracking has been done. Garage have done inspection on ramps and illiminated all the obvious that can been checked visually without starting to strip it down. But they had to start somewhere... It hasnt been fixed by replacing drivers side top mount/shock. The steering fluid is remaining constant. They now suspect steering rack which is over 1K to replace and the part they say will take at least a month to arrive. It feels an uncertain diagnosis but I  worry about driving any great distance with problem unresolved. I have found them to be a very trustworthy garage for many years.
 Its multispace 1.2 with 39k on clock .
Anyone had similar issues now resolved or able to offer a way forward...or must I now bite the expensive bullet?
Thanks

[brodfather11]

The problem could be the steering joint at the bottom of the steering column. They have been known to seize up slightly and give these symptoms

This can be cured by spraying the joint with WD40 type stuff , working it for a while and spraying again.

 Its accessed from the cab footwell.

 Lot cheaper than replacing the steering rack.

[RAB59]

The problem could be the steering joint at the bottom of the steering column. They have been known to seize up slightly and give these symptoms

This can be cured by spraying the joint with WD40 type stuff , working it for a while and spraying again.

 Its accessed from the cab footwell.

 Lot cheaper than replacing the steering rack.

[RAB59]

Hi thank you for this. When they fitted new brake pads they said they had lubricated everything-but maybe not this bit. Will I be able to get at it without special tools?

[brodfather11]

its at the base of the steering column all you'll need is a screwdriver.

Spray or lubricate the universal joint and see if that cures it.

[RAB59]

its at the base of the steering column all you'll need is a screwdriver.

Spray or lubricate the universal joint and see if that cures it.

Can you please  send a picture of where I need to unscrew as I cant see what you mean - very sorry