Usually the squeaks are from the upper control arm mounts (bushings). Typically the rubber insert failed and is bunched up and jamming in there. Lubricant may quiet the noise but the failure is there. This also adds friction so the shocks and springs don’t quite do tier job. Eventually the bad bushing will tear up and you will have looseness and clunking. If you travel and this happens on a trip by the time you get home you will also need a pair of tires. 

The easy test is to remove the two bolts holding the upper ball joint to the control arm. Then you can move the arm up and down and find the squeaks or clunks and repair as needed. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dan N
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 2:31 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Squeaky front end

hi all,

the front end of my tintop syncro squeaks a lot. The mechanic replaced the ball joints checked all the bushings... they are in good condition. He sprayed some lubricant... the squeaky noise went away but comes back after about 500 miles.. then I spray some silicon lubricant.. the noise went away but comes back again...

what lubricant do you use for the front end? if so where do you spray?
is this a problem and something has to be repaired or replaced?

thanks in advance for the help

dan