L322 Steering column/telescoping mechanism noise

Hi, had a look around and can't seem to find another thread on the same subject.I have an 02 plate L322 Vogue with just under 100k on the clock. When the engine is switched off and steering column moving back to fully retracted there is a dreadful noise from it. Did some searching around and it seems this is a common fault. It would appear the telescoping mechanism needs lubricated or replaced. However my mechanic isn't sure how to access the mechanism. Could anyone shed light on this? Is it a full dash job or does the plastic on the steering column come off? At the moment he's talking about trying to take the plastic off in the footwell area and spraying from there if he can reach!
Any help greatly appreciated.

you can get to the mech by removing the the plastic cowels, no need for a major strip down.

Thanks abu. Had a major heart attack yesterday, as phoned LR dealer to get a vague idea of price for the job and was quoted 6hrs work minimum. They also reckoned it might be the whole steering column needing replaced but I've already searched/spoke to people who say it's a common fault and just the motor needs replaced to correct the issue.
So it's off to my mechanic to tell him it can be accessed as above and book the job in.