I recently had to replace the fork shaped fitting that connects the lower end of the Garhauer vang to the fitting at the base of the mast. The fork shaped fitting had cracked and broken across the top of one of the tines of the fork, bending back the other tine of the fitting presumably when I tightened down on the vang. If you have a 1999 vintage MK II you might want to inspect that fitting. I had a repair done locally so I didn't take the opportunity to ask Garhauer if they could still supply the fitting.
John : A picture would really help point out where to inspect!!
A thought