1998 Ford Falcon Futura review from South Africa

This is my first Falcon Futura, and my purchase was based on sound advice received from caravan owners throughout the region. I own a SA manufactured caravan which weighs in at about 1,3 metric tonnes and in this instance, the Falcon was recommended as the most effective tow car currently available on the market. At this point, I wish to stress, that although the car was fully imported from Australia to South Africa as rolling stock, the agents here carry full back-up stock and have a sound working knowledge of the vehicle. As I took delivery of this extremely well-maintained previously-owned car, I was assured that the vehicle was free of 'problems.' Needless to say, that was when the fun began. Two and a half months later, replaced items included the windscreen, the complete steering rack, the entire speedo-cruise system including servo, the rear bench seat, the headlamp selector switch, both front shock-absorbers and the glove box lock and lever. The air-conditioner has been completely overhauled, but still leaks into the car near the front left-hand floor pan.

Over and above this fantastic comedy of errors, there exists the most astonishing groan in the front end.

It's hard to clearly describe the sound, perhaps it is closest to the sound an old wooden fishing vessel makes while moored to the side of a jetty - that sort of creaking, flexing sound - and this happens every time the steering wheel is turned to the left or right while the car is in motion.

The noise is loudest when braking and turning simultaneously.

The local agents - Pioneer Ford - have gone far beyond the call of duty to track down this problem, but to no avail.

Is there any Falcon owner out there who is aware of this problem and can possibly shed some light on this matter?