Chris155

No point in asking is there? I need to be a golden shower member first.

Should of known better, I mean when was the last time someone who drives a ford helped you out without asking what's in it for themselves?

Chris155

Friendly bunch arnt you? I've posted a similar thread on a different forum and had more help. Wankers.

boost mad

iTrader: (8)

you didnt get an answer in one day so you call everyone wankers. no wonder u didnt get help. ppl do have lives and other things to do, so if u had waited for a little bit maybe you would of got some help

Chris155

Yeah, you are right. I'm sorry I called you all names. I posted all that when I was a bit sozled last night and I deserve anything I get off you lot here for being a troll.

Thing is if a there are over 16,000 registered members here making this site one of the biggest I have posted on. I am a regular poster on another car forum with just 2000 members but if a newbie posts asking for help he'll have his answer within a couple of hours. Its not like the question was particularly challenging either. So why with 16,000 members and an average of what? 300 peeps on line at anyone time did no-one even think to answer?

boost mad

iTrader: (8)

to be honest you are sorta right, alot of ppl only reply on rs posts for one reason or another, but there are a few of us that do post on others, may not be straight away but we do try... there maybe 16000 users but aparantly only about 8000 or so post ( iirc ), alot post once then dont come back etc..... anyway, whats the problem

Chris155

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 Ł160 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?

Chris155

Judging by the other posts I had on other forums Its the bushes on the lower arms that are squeaking and I'm inclied to agree, I'm still loath to hand over 160 squid for a new pair though, think I'll try unipart.

I spoke to the very friendly guy at rapid fit when I picked up the belt and he told me the idelers and tensioner don't need replacing (Y reg 1.3)

But I still don't have a clue about the power steering leak. That engine is so crammed in their - Its got air con as well just to tighten things up a bit, I just can't see whats going on.

Teeboy

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 Ł90ish 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 Ł35 a side for new bushes on an Escort.

Cant comment on your other probs.

Teeboy

Maybe I should have suggested www.pumaspeed.co.uk!!

Chris155

Thanks Teeboy. I read on another forum that the bushes in pattern parts don't last as long so now I'm in a bit of a dilema. Think I'll go with the ford ones. As for the bush replacement kit, I'd rather not; for a start I don't own a hydraulic press and as such replacing the bushes will be an bit of a pain, plus there's no guarentee the ball joints will be ok.

boost mad

iTrader: (8)

looks like he has said everything i was going to lol

Chris155

Auxilliary Drive Belt Replacement Guide

1. Slacken Offside Front wheel bolts.

2. Raise offside front of car and support. Remove Offside front wheel.

3. Remove wheel arch liner. Its held in place with 7 no. torx screws (T30) and 1 8mm bolt.

4. Open bonnet and remove the 3 x-head screws holding the top of the bumper to the slam panel

5. Remove the x head screw that holds the back edge of the plastic wheel arch/bumper to the body at the sill.

6. Carefully prise the wheel arch section of the bumper loose.

7. Undo the 2no. 10mm bolts that hold the offside headlight in place, uncilp the 2no. electrical connections and remove the headlight.

8. grab and pen and some paper and make a not of the routing of the belt. This is particularly worthwhile if it has PAS and aircon........

9. You can now access the belt. use a 15mm spanner to release the automatic tensioner by turning the bolt clockwise. Remove belt.

10. Congratulate yourself, have a brew.

11. Try to fit new belt. Remember to swear repeatedly using the kind of words that would make a monkey blush.

12. Put car back together.

Tools used:

Ratchet with 8mm and 10mm sockets and extension bar.
X-head screwdriver
15mm spanner (as long as you can find)
T30 Torx screwdriver
Long flat bladed screwdriver
Jack
Axle Stand

boost mad

iTrader: (8)

did it work?

Chris155

Of course it did. I haven't done the lowers arms yet if that's what you mean. I can get pattern parts for 30 squid each so I'm going to try them. - I only had the car for a couple of hours on Sunday as she works the rest of the weekend and needed the car.