Go for gold myself?
Let a pro do it (and empty my wallet)?
It IS pretty rare for them to go out. If it were me, I would check the stuff DanH suggested, check the pitman arm operation / slack (see Bruno's site) and look into the collar nut under the dash. Checking stuff is free! These boxes rarely "go out" so I'd be sure to check all the other stuff first.
HTH
Robin
Robin
72 Chevy K10
01 E39 M5
Yeah but when a pro checking it for free (ie. mates rates), says that there is a definite noise eminating from the box, and the rest is fine, I would tend to believe him. Will double check this weekend anyway - I think I might also be missing a heat shield on the exhaust. You can see the heat plume next to the driverside window when at the lights. Although it does look kinda cool lol.
Freude am Fahren - Damn straight!