Steering column universal joint

[davidr]

Following an unfavourable outcome of my MOT test, I have been replacing the lower front suspension bushes on my 2001 XKR. Part of the issue is having to drop the the steering rack to give access to the bolts.
Whilst doing this is I found the lower UJ on the steering rack was stiff. Ideally the UJ needs replacing although the stiffness isn't felt through the steering.
My problem is that the steering knuckle doesn't appear to be available separately but only as part of the lower steering column assembly for an eye watering £625.
Any ideas?

[Astromorg]

So how stiff is stiff, David, bearing in mind one would expect a new part to be relatively tight to minimize its contribution to any backlash at the steering wheel.

Maybe you could ask someone like David Marks, who must have seen a few in his time, to give you some guidance?

[davidr]

It moves freely and smoothly in one plane but is stiff and notchy in the other plane.