issue Popping noise from under the bed area?

fondupot · November 18, 2014

I have my truck at the dealership as I write this. I too have had the noise had both rear shocks replaced and now that the weather has changed im positive it is the rear leaf springs. With that said has anybody had the below done and if so how long did it help or did it help at all?

Condition

Some customers may comment about a squeak noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. During normal operation, certain vehicles may exhibit a squeaking noise that may be traced to the rear leaf springs. While this noise is an operating characteristic of leaf springs, the frequency and severity of this noise will be affected by the roads that the vehicle is driven on.

Cause

This condition may be due to debris getting between the leaf springs.

Correction

To correct this condition, lubricate the rear leaf springs using the following procedure.

Important: It has been found that the application of grease to the rear leaf springs does a better job of preventing the noise from reoccurring than replacement of the spring.

Raise the vehicle on a frame lift-type hoist.

Inspect the springs for damage. If none is found, proceed to the next step.

Pressure wash the rear leaf springs to remove as much dirt and grit as possible.

Dry the springs with compressed air.

Apply a liberal amount of grease, P/N 12345996 (in Canada, use P/N 10953501), under the front and rear tip inserts for the #2 and #3 leaves, on top of the tip inserts, and in between the #1 and #2, and #2 and #3 leaves, as indicated below. A screwdriver can be used to gently pry up the tip insert; however, a rag around the screwdriver must be used to prevent damage to the spring. Use a flat-bladed tool, such as a gasket scraper to properly distribute the grease.

Lower the vehicle to the ground and test drive to verify the repair.

Please inform the customer that this will offer relief, it is by no means a lifetime repair. Periodic cleanings and grease re-application may be necessary throughout the life of the vehicle.

Where did you find this info? is there a bulletin number associated with it? I might have them do this next time I take it in for service.

Wcuchad · November 18, 2014

I actually saw it on another thread (I tried to go back and copy the link but now i cant find it) I wish i had the bulletin number since i just got a call from the delaership stating they tigthened the rear shock mount and that magically fixed it. I then told him that that wasnt the fix since I have had both shocks replaced and have been dealing with the issue for 1yr 3 months.

Im going to print this off and take it to them maybe they can pull the bulletin number. I will keep you posted.

Wcuchad · November 18, 2014

Found it. It is actually for older models but im sure it would pertain to newer as well.

2010 Chevrolet Silverado - 4WD | Cheyenne, Sierra, Silverado VIN C/K Service Manual | Document ID: 2732835
#06-03-09-004D: Squeak Noise from Rear of Vehicle (Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs) - (Nov 1, 2011)

Subject: Squeak Noise from Rear of Vehicle (Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs)

Models: 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado (Classic)

2007-2012 Chevrolet Colorado, Silverado

1999-2007 GMC Sierra (Classic)

2007-2012 GMC Canyon, Sierra

2007-2010 HUMMER H3, H3T

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2012 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-03-09-004C (Section 03 – Suspension).
Condition

Some customers may comment about a squeak noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. During normal operation, certain vehicles may exhibit a squeaking noise that may be traced to the rear leaf springs. While this noise is an operating characteristic of leaf springs, the frequency and severity of this noise will be affected by the roads that the vehicle is driven on.
Cause

This condition may be due to debris getting between the leaf springs.
Correction

To correct this condition, lubricate the rear leaf springs using the following procedure. Important: It has been found that the application of grease to the rear leaf springs does a better job of preventing the noise from reoccurring than replacement of the spring.

1. Raise the vehicle on a frame lift-type hoist.

2. Inspect the springs for damage. If none is found, proceed to the next step.

3. Pressure wash the rear leaf springs to remove as much dirt and grit as possible.

4. Dry the springs with compressed air.

Note: Ensure any tool used to gently pry the tip inserts or spring leaves is protected to prevent damage to the spring leaves.

5. Apply a liberal amount of grease, P/N♦12345996 (in Canada, use P/N♦10953501), both underneath and on top of the front and rear tip inserts for the #2 and #3 leaves, as indicated below. A screwdriver can be used to gently pry up the tip insert; however, a rag around the screwdriver must be used to prevent damage to the spring. Use a flat-bladed tool, such as a gasket scraper to properly distribute the grease.

6. Lower the vehicle to the ground and test drive to verify the repair.

Please inform the customer that this will offer relief, but is not a lifetime repair. Periodic cleanings and grease re-application may be necessary throughout the life of the vehicle.
For 1500 Series (½ ton) models only: On vehicles built prior to October 2004, if the above procedure does not correct this noise, it could be caused by an incorrectly dimensioned splay clip (the band holding the ends of the leafs together) that interferes with the leaf springs. A 5♦mm (0.197♦in) wider splay clip was introduced in early 2005 model year to provide additional clearance. To correct this concern, replace the rear leaf spring assembly. There was no change to the part number.
Parts Information

Part Number

Description

Qty

12345996

(in Canada, use 10953501)

Lubricant

1

<a href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com...65742">Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

E9437*

Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs-LD

0.5♦hr

Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs-HD

0.9♦hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

Its the same bulletin that was out before,they just added the 2012 model-year.

peternufeld · March 11, 2016

I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM POPPING NOISE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP. I TRIED TO TRACK MY NOISE DOWN AND FOUND IT IS SOME WERE BETWEEN THE TRANSFER CASE ,REAR DRIVE SHAFT , OR REAR DIFFERENTIAL I'VE TALK TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT COULD BE HAS ANY ONE FOUND WHAT WERE THE PROBLEM IS AND WHAT TO DO TO FIX IT?

peternufeld · March 11, 2016

I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM POPPING NOISE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP. I TRIED TO TRACK MY NOISE DOWN AND FOUND IT IS SOME WERE BETWEEN THE TRANSFER CASE ,REAR DRIVE SHAFT , OR REAR DIFFERENTIAL I'VE TALK TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT COULD BE HAS ANY ONE FOUND WHAT WERE THE PROBLEM IS AND WHAT TO DO TO FIX IT?

pm26 · March 13, 2016

I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM POPPING NOISE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STOP. I TRIED TO TRACK MY NOISE DOWN AND FOUND IT IS SOME WERE BETWEEN THE TRANSFER CASE ,REAR DRIVE SHAFT , OR REAR DIFFERENTIAL I'VE TALK TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT COULD BE HAS ANY ONE FOUND WHAT WERE THE PROBLEM IS AND WHAT TO DO TO FIX IT?

It is the sound of quality built into your truck.

Scruggs · March 14, 2016

I had the same problems under the same conditions. Had the dealer retorque the rear leave springs after pulling almost all of their teeth. It mostly solved the issue... Mostly...

royalkangaroo · July 27, 2016

I have a noise that sounds like the rear leaf springs during tight turn/backup maneuvers. I also hear it if I am on a road or hill that causes the rear end to flex. Not 100% sure it isn't normal, but I seem to just be noticing it now at 5000 miles, so not sure if this is a new noise or I just never noticed.

Hate to restart up an old thread, but my 2015 Sierra just started doing this the past two weeks or so. 6700 miles on it. Brought it to the dealership today, they torqued the leaf springs and claimed the noise was normal. Unfortunately it didn't solve anything at all...

Edited July 27, 2016 by royalkangaroo

0682viking · July 30, 2016

I have a 2013 Silverado extended cab LS 23000 miles. I noticed that when I am traveling and have to stop at a light or stop sign, then take my foot off the break it almost sounds like that the vehicle behind me hits me. The faster that I stop and take off the louder the sound and the harder the pop, vice versa the slower I stop the softer the sound and the pop when I take my foot off the break. The pop and sound only happens when I take my foot off the break to accelerate. I have not taken my truck into the dealer yet to find out what is going on. It almost seems that something slides forward when you are breaking then when you take your foot off the break and take off it slides back.

Dnt · July 30, 2016

I found on my 2014 that i just traded in that a set of spring clamps installed about 5in in front of the axle block eliminates about 90% of the popping jerking problem. There is a thread around here somewhere on that. Does nto seem to be an issue YET on this 2016

Edited July 30, 2016 by MyFavTruck

switch900 · July 31, 2016

I have resolved my issue of rear popping noise.i my problem was at low speed and small bumps worse when backing up and turning. Passed me off for a long time .if I shook the truck side to side it would pop as if the the drive axles had play and made a hell of a racket. All I did was jack up the rear hammered a pry bar between the leaf spring at the front of the leaf Pakistan near the stock clip and cut a piece of UHMW sheet about 2x3 inches and slid it in between the the existing pad and the upper leaf ,,,,it's like I'm driving a new truck. So happy.

Jeff5347 · August 28, 2016

I have resolved my issue of rear popping noise.i my problem was at low speed and small bumps worse when backing up and turning. Passed me off for a long time .if I shook the truck side to side it would pop as if the the drive axles had play and made a hell of a racket. All I did was jack up the rear hammered a pry bar between the leaf spring at the front of the leaf Pakistan near the stock clip and cut a piece of UHMW sheet about 2x3 inches and slid it in between the the existing pad and the upper leaf ,,,,it's like I'm driving a new truck. So happy.

Switch, do you have any pics of your fix and where you got the stuff to fix it. My problem is it sounds like a loose shock mount or something. So me being the detective I got under the truck and shook and moved it. Couldn't replicate it. So I grabbed my rear Dr tire and started to shake it hard. What I found is the leaf at the rear part is rubbing on the upper and lower where there is a piece of plastic to separate the 2. In this pic where the 2 are sandwiched is a isolator and that is where I can feel it and if I wedge a screwdriver in to separate them the noise disappears. Any fix for this?

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Asells · August 28, 2016

I believe im having the same issue. Took it to the dealer, took them for a ride to see where its coming from and we both figured the rear. They re torqued the leaf springs and said to spray the leafs with lubricant. Definitely seemed to help. Going back next week for an onstar issue so they are going to take another look with "chassis ears".

Jeff5347 · August 29, 2016

OK I fixed mine and I can't say enough. Like Switch said it feels brand new. So after finding out it was the rear most plastic isolator in was scouring to find something tough but soft to fit between the 2 leafs.

This is what I used

This hose is for fish tanks with inline pump filters. The wall of the tubing is 1/8 thick , flexible but super tough. I cut about 2 2.5 inch wide pieces then slit them down the middle.

Then I jacked up the rear of the truck as much as a floor jack would allow and used a long crowbar to separate the leafs and then inserted the tubing .

I am blown away. At first shaking the truck it would start to sound like a racket was happening. Banging clanking it sounded like. After this, quiet as my house at 3am. Took it for a 20 minute ride to the store and I look like the joker now. No noises , feels tighter, feels like it rides better. Ran over some train tracks I always hit and this time just a solid thump sound , no clank bang badump. I am so happy right now 1. I found the problem and 2 the fix actually improve the ride quality or at least feels like it[emoji2]

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royalkangaroo · August 30, 2016

OK I fixed mine and I can't say enough. Like Switch said it feels brand new. So after finding out it was the rear most plastic isolator in was scouring to find something tough but soft to fit between the 2 leafs.

This is what I used

This hose is for fish tanks with inline pump filters. The wall of the tubing is 1/8 thick , flexible but super tough. I cut about 2 2.5 inch wide pieces then slit them down the middle.

Then I jacked up the rear of the truck as much as a floor jack would allow and used a long crowbar to separate the leafs and then inserted the tubing .

I am blown away. At first shaking the truck it would start to sound like a racket was happening. Banging clanking it sounded like. After this, quiet as my house at 3am. Took it for a 20 minute ride to the store and I look like the joker now. No noises , feels tighter, feels like it rides better. Ran over some train tracks I always hit and this time just a solid thump sound , no clank bang badump. I am so happy right now 1. I found the problem and 2 the fix actually improve the ride quality or at least feels like it[emoji2]

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I'm going to have to try this.

May be a stupid question, but is there any chance of the plastic melting over time? I'd hate for it to disintegrate into a sticky mess after a year. Wouldn't be much different than the dealer slapping grease all over it though, I'd suppose.