Guess what I found under my truck yesterday???

2007SierraSLT · June 27, 2013

Hello, first post. I see this is a little behind but there is a pattern here. 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71 both rear leaf springs broke at the exact same spot, just like the picture showed. Didn't damage brake lines but did gouge out both rear tires ( all four tires are new ). Towed a 16' fishing boat one time, 2 years ago. Not even close to loaded. Just off warranty at 135,000 km. GM customer care pretty much told me to piss off. GM quote $2015 + tax, not including 2 new tires.

Local spring shop $1200 + tax. GM customer care was kind enough to remind to 'make sure that whoever does the repair is using quality GM parts'.

There is a definite issue with the steel used in these springs. As far as my research goes, try not to replace the single broken leaf if possible. Replace the entire spring pack. Putting in a new piece of spring steel with something that is somewhat worn ( and defective imo ) may only lead to the upper leaf breaking prematurely.

My buddy who also has an extended cab z71 slt but it's an 08, his broke as well same spots as mine.... The springs are junk on the trucks, it's simple... nobody can tell me otherwise

Stex · June 28, 2013

Sounds like it could be a heat treating issue. Temper may be off or spotty. I replaced the springs on my 1500 Sub with 2500s thru a local non dealer shop and it was not to bad on price. They came as a set from a local spring shop. My 09 CC is ok so far.

pm26 · June 28, 2013

Exactly! I'm at 310k miles with stock springs...

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Great! Those 2000 era trucks were much better built I think. This is why I am reluctant to sell my 2006.

pm26 · June 29, 2013

It looks like my 1969 deuce and half still has the original leaf springs, front and rear and not one leaf is broken! How is that possible? Of course, it is not easy to break a stack of 12 leaves. Even with the front axle alone weighing in at 1,600 lbs with front wheels on.