Question: My 1972 Silver Shadow has an occasional loud squeak from the rear suspension, it seams to come from both sides in the compliance joint area. Are these prone to loud squeaks or is it the anti roll bar? The car has sat for 5 years.

Answer: To be honest it could be coming from the rear hydraulic rams, rear springs, rear shocks, anti-roll bar, compliance cushions, main subframe mounts.......even the rear calipers or the jack in the boot!

You will need to attempt to identify its location by giving everywhere a good spraying with WD40. Does the squeak occur at particular times - like when you go over bumps or when the car is stationary?

Question: Oh dear, everything squeaks then! It is certainly low down, and a heavy squeak, the shocks are new and height control valves rebuilt, I have heavily WD'd everything and removed the anti roll bar. I have been told it could be the shims at the base of the springs.

Answer: It could well be the shims if the canvas seat that they sit in has deteriorated. I have spoken to one of our mechanics and this is what he has recommended:

Check all suspension bushings for damage/play, check dampers/hcv rams for leaks and over travel. also the restrictor valves can stick, so clean may need cleaning out.