Creaking, groaning and squeaking on FWD Fords always seems to be lower arm bushes - afflicts Fiestas & Escorts too! Ford arms are expensive but the bushes last longer than cheaper pattern ones. Haven't changed any on KA's yet (got a sportka tho' so it may not be long before I do!) but I have changed them on Fiestas and Escorts - not too bad a job. A much better idea would be to get the bushes replaced with ones from Powerflex or maybe Deflex. These are made of 'polystuff', not 'rubberstuff', dont wear anywhere as much and will generally tighten up the steering. Talk to Pumabuild (or have a look on their website - www.pumabuild.co.uk) but bear in mind they will need fitting after the old bushes are pressed out. I think you would be looking at £90ish for a front set of bushes. Not cheap, but a better long term solution.

Ford might be able to replace just the bushes - they do a bush kit for Escorts and Fiestas, the arms are basically the same. I recall my local Ford dealer charged £35 a side for new bushes on an Escort.

Cant comment on your other probs.