that makes alot of sense.....that said...like I have a nearly 60 year old ford with the original steering gear located outside near the ground....wtf are they doing at BMW/Audi that a universal that is inside the car is wearing out in under 50,000 miles.Does it have an intermediate steering shaft? Steel shaft with 2 universal joints in between the steering rack and steering column.
I know on some Audi vehicles they seize up causing that same headset bearing notchy feel.