So, today the battery decided to pack up this afternoon when the wife was about to pop out. I drove the car earlier in the morning and it started and drove fine for my short journey.

Long story short, the AA came round and started the car and signed off the battery as healthy. I will work out separately what caused the battery drain.

However, now, when I put the key in the ignition, the steering lock makes a loud clicking/clunking noise. The key still turns fine and the car starts.

Does anyone else have this issue? Is this an early warning sign to the dreaded steering lock plunger issue? Anyone have this noise but report no other starting problems?

Car is a L322 2008 TDV8

Thanks