Following ongoing clock spring replacements (3 in 3 months), a mechanic has told me that he believes there may be a problem in the steering column which is causing some type of binding. The steering does feel significantly tighter than other VTs I have driven and there is an incessant squeaking noise at the top of the column (even with shroud removed).

Furthermore, there was the (cabin) end of a steering column in the boot when the car was purchased which suggests to me that the previous owner had been considering a swap.

I have obtained a schematic diagram of an entire column from GMH. It does not show a seperation point on the column just inside the firewall. This is where the section I have finishes so I assumed just the top bit could be replaced. Am I right or do I need to source the whole assembly from rack to wheel?

It is a series I VT Acclaim without the speed variable steering option.