2nd time lucky? The link seems to work on preview - here we go...[http://shawlineassetmanagement.co.uk/PhotoAlbumsPro/Album_nr9w4l/Ball3.JPG?cache=0.6975180204026401/img] It's interesting to note Wally's comments on his reply to my Steering Rack post. We found no spacers installed on the rack fitted to my car, to inhibit the lock. Consequently, the wheels do rub on the suspension at full lock. Now, when reversing under full lock, the front wheels can 'scrub' across the ground exerting quite high forces on the ball joint. My garage and I are now thinking that this is where the damage may have been done. I am hoping to fabricate some kind of preventer stops to limit the lock (when I can find some time!) and meanwhile try to avoid using full lock! Footnote: just wanted to point out that my particular Ace is one of the last 'project' cars that was about 80% completed at the works, then privately finished and SVA tested.