Though you may have isolated a couple of likely suspects for the noise you're hearing, guessing and then throwing parts at the car is not the best way to go about restoring the steering function and feel. Instead, an up-close and comprehensive inspection that would include the ball joints, tie rods, drag link, idler arm, track rods and the myriad bushings throughout will identify the problem or problems and will lead you to a correct solution. The good news is that once the proper parts have been replaced the steering will feel and work as new.

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Richard Detoy
'84 300SD
'76 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans