I just replaced my original stabiliser (27K miles on my xfire) with a new Stabilus from Advance (ran $45, supposed to have a lifetime warranty). It totally stopped the popping noise I had been having when turning the wheel at low speeds and also tightened up the steering a bit. I think the old damper must have been totally shot from rough Austin roads (though I didn't notice any difference in resistance at hand compression between the two).

All in all, I'm just grateful my xfire doesn't make that horrible noise anymore.