thanks Boost Mad, original post was as follows.

I've been asked by a friend to have a look at her Y reg Ford Ka; (Its not HER btw)

1. The creaky suspension is driving the poor girl up the wall. Her local stealer told her it was the ARB drop links which I duely replaced. Didn't help. I gave up and as a last ditch effort just sprayed some silcone spray over the strut and the lower arm bushes, which suprise, suprise, cured the problem. For a while at least. Its now back creaking like a goodun and I'm assuming its the lower arm suspension bushes.

Is this a common fault?

I priced a new pair up and, feck me, Rapid Fit want £160 squid for the pair!!!!!!! She does a lot of miles so I'm wondering if pattern parts are worth it. Anyone know a cheaper source?


2. Its loosing power streering fluid. There was traces of fluid at the top of one the hoses where it comes out of the resevior and no other obvious signs of leakage, any common problems?


3. The aux drive belt (fan belt) is looking decidedly worse for wear;

Are they difficult to replace? (I'm reasonably competent - I've changed the cam belt on my 24v Alfa 156 V6 without any major trauma - it just took a while ) I had a quick goosie and it looks like the bupmper, grill, sh1t screens etc all need to come off to gain access?