The tension was definitely too tight, it's slightly better after adjusting, thank you @Ricochet! And thanks all of the other ideas, I know they will come in handy.
@Tiny Clanger, I'm looking into the Teflon pads too and also backing off the barlow for a bit 😆 Also, your explanation of shifting the az being an art is bang on, there's a little science to doing it without overshooting.
I've found a decent spot with a clear horizon for the now passed conjunction, only to be thwarted by a good bit of Yorkshire cloud. Tomorrow may be better, fingers crossed. Maybe I'll catch Santa doing some early rounds around Jupiter.
p.s. also realising why my arms are strong even though mostly in these days, carrying the dob base around is a decent workout!