I have a 98 2l auto LX. It has had a very noisy rear end for over 2 yrs, (I bought it at 5800klms (now 40,000) and have had it serviced according to hbook rules. Dealer continuously stated road noise is standard, but admitted brake noise was there but said Ford have issued a fix which does not work. Car usually carries 2 people, and when carrying 5 (3 adult + 2minors,12yr and 8yr) severe rear end noise occurred and rear tyres were scalloped on the inside tread. Complained to Ford who state dealer Service Manager is their personal rep and he's right, they're satisfied that car "performs to specification",that could mean bad spec if the North American findings mean anything. Diffen tyres found alignment way out on rear, reset it, put 2 Chinese MAXXIS on it and it's now quiet apart from brakes screech and I think sometimes binding - Racq says brakes bind and develop sticky resin. I am persisting with Ford although I think they are refusing to perform warranty and have obtained a sale to me by a false pretence.