Well that’s what it sounds like anyway!
 
As I make low speed manoeuvres such as turning into a driveway the front drivers side of the van makes what could be described as a metallic ticking/grinding sound, kind of like a dolphin (a metallic dolphin).  The problem is worse in reverse – quite a bit more noise, but that could be expected as you usually go slower in reverse.
 
My mechanic suggested it could be the strut top bearing, but to me it sounds like the spring is rotating in its seat, if that would be possible.  I recently had most of the bushes replaced but the problem didn’t go away.  So I ask all the Escort/suspension whizzes out there:

1. Does it sound like a bearing, or something else?
2. Can you replace just the bearing out of the strut top, and if so can this be done easily without removing too much, or does the strut have to come out?
3. Could the spring be rotating in the seat?
4. Is there something else it could be?

Just to let you know, the van’s got regular 1300 springs and struts, supporting a 1600 (if that makes much difference) – it’s not lowered.
 
Cheers for any help! 

Definitely sounds like the springs are moving in their seats.  A very common problem.  You can use some hose clamps to hold them still.
 
Cheers
 
Matt
 
 

Awesome, thanks Matt!  I can pop some clamps on and see how that goes.  Are there little slots to put the clamps through, or do I need to make a couple of holes?
 
Cheers,
Adam

No stress, pretty sure you'll need to drill some holes.  
 
Good luck
 
Matt 

I had the same issue but my strut tops were seized causing the problem. Just got rusty so i took them out, got rid of the rust and greased them up and put them back in and they work fine now. Had a few issues with them binding as i had the nuts done up too tight but i found a torque eventually that worked.
 
Do your springsmake a big clunk noise every now and then with more steering lock? Mine went bang every time i turned near full lock
 
Ryan

Nah, I don't remember them clunking on full lock Ryan.  But, to be honest, I haven't had them on full lock for a while (tyres were rubbing on the inner guards, have swapped them now).  I'll give it a go the next few days and see if it does do that now.
The only concern I have with drilling the spring seats for some worm clamps is will the drilled hole be a point for cracks to start forming?
Cheers guys!