I've just switched fom one branch of my Ford dealership to another in the hopoe that a couple of issues that have been bugging me, and which the original dealer couldn't solve/wouldn't admit to hearing might be spotted elsewhere - just as the car's MOT is due and the warranty is up!

Issue 1 was a faint ticking noise when turning the steering to the left - this started happening a couple of months back. I described it as sounding a bit like winding up a clock!  Dealer 2 rang earlier to say they are fitting a new clock spring (which I thought was quite funny!) - now I've researched it the failure of the original dealer to spot it is not so funny - ho hum. Does explain though why a diagnostic is needed for what I put down as a mechanical issue somewhere.

Issue 2 is noisy exhaust - or inlet? - which has bugged me from the onset. Dealer 2 informs me that they are replacing "a bit of foam between two parts of the exhaust" which is subject to a Technical Service Bulletin. Anyone know what that's about? Sounds more like something that would fix a rattle, but then what do I know!

Thanks - Richard

An update - entitled "Today, I should go out and buy a lottery ticket"!

So on collecting the car from the dealership, I asked what the work had actually entailed ...

The exhaust "Bit of foam tape and a bolt".

The faint steering noise "Replacement steering column"! Apparently this would have cost about £1500 but of course under warranty - by a day.

Comment from the receptionist was "Sometimes best not to ask, just take it and go"!

You bet!