I have the same problem, squeaking like a mattress sounds, just put in new Koni shocks, so the old shocks weren't the sound source... and I had a shop look at my bushings, and they didn't see anything that was weak bushingwise... though one tierod bushing looked torn a bit... for some reason he didn't think it was a big deal... I am wondering if the rubber base to the springs is worn out, if that won't cause some noise... pretty sure the rubber bases are worn out.. 

From: John Graham <theklube@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Squeaky front end parts

> I have an 88 Westy with about 150,000 miles on her and when I go over bumps
> such as speed humps, I can hear squeaking and groaning sounds.  I assume
> that they are from the age of the rubber components that abound in the front
> suspension.  Is there any sort of lubricant that might give me some short
> term quieting relief?
> 
> I just replaced the passenger side upper ball joint but other than that,
> It's all original as far as I know.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> John Graham
> 88 Westy
> Charlotte, NC
> 

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