My 2 litre LX Mondeo fitted with rear disc brakes, had to have rear wheel bearings replaced at 35785 miles. Now at 43500 miles the bearings are noisy again. Although the first replacement is still under a Ford Dealer's guarantee, I am concerned that another replacement will have an equally short life.

If you have experienced the same problem, what action did you take? Was it successful?

Many thank to anyone who cares to reply. Read more

The background to this is that a few years ago the government (at the behest of the motor industry) decided to clamp down on imports of Japanese-market used cars by introducing an Enhanced Single Vehicle Approval test which all RHD cars manufactured after Jan.1st 1997 must pass. For the ESVA you require a 'model report' (basically a full technical report for that model of car, including crash test data). ESVA is not required for LHD cars (e..g. from the US) because the industry does not perceive LHD imports to be much of a threat and therefore the government leave them alone.

Now, I was recently asked to do a repair on an Ultima (this is a kit car, with large GM V8 engine and Holley carbs) and spoke to the owner about how he got it approved (it had many non-standard features). Apparently it was registered on a Q-plate and went through SVA as a 'kit car'. So this gets me wondering....could I import a late-model from Japan and put it through SVA as a 'kit car' and so avoid the bother of ESVA and a model report?
If anyone knows anything about (E)SVA and kit car approval I would be most interested. Read more

I have been given Auto Restore as a useful mobile dent removal and spray service - mobile body shop - might have been a better way to put that.

I understand that they are part of Autoglass, has anyone tried them? Read more

Good people,

A plea for help...

My brother has a Merc Turbo diesel Vito van and has some problems requiring considerable work including removing the cylinder head and involving glow plugs....the specifics I?m not really au fait with.

The vehicle's is out of Warrantee and the lease company are being less than helpful. Can anyone recommend a competent turbo diesel specialist that plays in this space and can fix this sort of thing preferably within striking distance of North London (Camden)?

This seemed a good place to ask!

Nick (actually posting from South Africa....its a long story) Read more

Well, not the whole thing actually, just the valve, which is leaking gas.

But in the absence of any other way to repair the valve, it seems a new compressor is required. So if anyone knows of anyone dismantling one of these cars, please give me a shout.

(I have already already posted a request with Findapart.) Read more