Rack in/Rack out?

[Mr. V]

I'm chasing a rattle from the nsf, and I'm still trying to decide if it's the inner track rod end or the secondary damper. For the former I'll obviously have to remove and then replace the gaiter on that side. For the latter, I can probably do the job with the rack in situ.

There is no appreciable play in the steering, so I assume it's in relatively good nick. Am I, then, giving myself unnecessary extra work by removing the rack?

There is occasionally a slight clonk when reversing the steering, when parking, or doing a three point turn, for example. Is this anything to worry about?