Best to carry out an oil consumption test.
(ie so many miles per litre of oil)
That is the only way to get an informed answer to your question.
What is the mileage of the car?
The plugs look fine.
You could try a set of vise grips on the bolt head and pull when you are turning and also at the same time using a drift/hammer gently tap on the other end of the bolt. (An extra pair of hands will be required)
When you get it out if the bolt looks okay then it will be the joint I am afraid.
That is all irrelevant I am afraid.
That 9 - 3 will be rack movement.
No matter what test you perform you will not find any movement on the banana arm ball joint.
This is all informed advice, however it is up to you whether you take it or not.
If there is nothing obvious or loose then it will be Compression rod ball joints or upright lower ball joint.
This is a common issue and I have all parts in stock if required.
Yes, easy to fit replacement but there is a knack to getting the old one off without damaging it.
Let me know if you require a replacement and I will check what I have in the shop.
Sold 2 today so not sure what I have left.
Worth minimum of £550.00 Steve, perhaps considerably more if some one needs one.
The cost for a gearbox overhaul is £1500.00 so £550.00 for a good fault free box is a steal.
Don't listen to those low ballers.
Get the car on a flat bed ramp and carry out the bounce test and at the same time soak all the underneath moving parts with WD40 or similar.
Continue bouncing and spraying until the tone of the squeak changes or disappears.