RE: Front end Squeaks
I had the front end "groans", but the upper a-arm bushings were only about 30,000 miles old and they did not fail the Bentley criteria ( bolt/nut centering in the bushing). I doused them heavily with spray silicone grease which was no help. I was then advised to use Wurth HHS 2000 spray lubricant -- blessed silence resulted! It ain't cheap; I got mine thru Amazon, but I found out later GoWesty has it for cheaper:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3793&category_id=395&category_parent_id=
 
Jack
1986 Westy Wkndr
2005 Jedi TDI Station Wagon
 

> Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:07:30 -0700
> From: starwagen@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: How to determine when you need new shocks???
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> RE: Front End Squeaks
> Upper A arm bushing is a common source for the squeak. BUT it can also be
> ball joints. When I replaced both upper ball joints the squeak I had went
> away.