The articulating front vents have started getting noisy over the years and I was wondering if anyone else has a quick fix for it. I was thinking about just spraying some WD40 on the sides of the vent where the fins attach but wanted to see if anyone has tried this or a different fix with positive results

 

Prolly might stink, I would call the dealer and see what their fix would be and go from there.

 

this unit is very delicate... noise you hear is most probably motors and gears failing.
you will have to completely disassemble it to try to lube it, but it didn't help in my case. i had to order one from junkyard in japan... got it for something like 80 bucks.
replacement is not easy, as the vent unit is the part of the nav screen (in my vehicle).

 

I would bet that the petroleum solvents (smells like kerosene) in WD40 would damage the plastic parts over time.
In any case, WD40 is a water displacing oil (thus, the "WD"). It is not designed for nor especially good as a lubricant.

 

i tried using proper lithium grease, but it's motors internally that start to squeal (bearings go or whatever)