Replacement Leaf Springs

[jay webb]

i replace the leaf spring pads all the time in the rear leaf springs and fix the issue. 

 

there is now a bulletin with an updated leaf spring insert that we are doing at the dealerships. 

 

its not the springs themselves but the pads between the springs. 

[Darksky]

Jay, can you post a link or the bulletin?

[jay webb]

5 hours ago, Darksky said:

Jay, can you post a link or the bulletin?

18-NA-183: Squeak and/or Clunking Noise from Rear of Vehicle - (Aug 6, 2019)

Subject:

Squeak and/or Clunking Noise from Rear of Vehicle

---

Brand:	Model:	Model Year:		VIN:		Engine:	Transmission:
		from	to	from	to
Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	2014	2018			All	All
	Silverado LD	2019	2019
GMC	Sierra 1500	2014	2018
	Sierra Limited	2019	2019

 

Involved Region or Country	North America and N.A.Export Markets
Condition 1	Some customers may comment about a squeaking and/or clunking noise coming from the rear of vehicle.
Condition 2	Some customers may comment about a squeaking noise coming from the rear of vehicle.
Cause 1	This condition may be caused by debris getting between the leaf springs and/or loose U-Bolts.
Cause 2	This condition may be caused by a faulty spring shackle.
Correction 1	To correct this condition, re-torque the U-bolts of the leaf spring assembly, and install new rear leaf spring inserts, following the procedure below.
Correction 2	To correct this condition, replace the rear shackle following the procedure below.

 

Service Procedure

Prior to performing this bulletin, follow the procedure for Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension in SI to determine the source of the noise. Jounce the rear of the vehicle utilizing J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent, to aid in locating the source of the noise.

If necessary, road test the vehicle.

 

Note: On the rearward side of the leaf spring, DO NOT trim/cut the new replacement insert.

1. Raise the vehicle on a frame lift-type hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle, in SI.
2. Inspect the rear leaf springs and shackles for damage.
   • If damage has been found, refer to Rear Spring Shackle Replacement or Leaf Spring Replacement (1500), in SI.
   • If damage has not been found, proceed to the next step.
3. Support the rear axle independently to relieve the tension on the leaf springs.
   
   • If squeak noise is coming from the rear Spring Shackle (1) lower bolt area (3), jump ahead to step #11.
   • If the noise is coming from the leaf springs (2), proceed to the next step.
   
   
4. Loosen the anchor plate U-bolts (1).
5. Re-torque the anchor plate U-bolts (1). Refer to Fastener Specifications in SI.
6. Repeat steps # 2 – 5 for the opposite side leaf spring.
   
7. Install new Rear Leaf Spring Inserts using the following procedure:

   Caution: Do NOT damage the finish on Leaf Springs.

    

   Caution: Do NOT damage the surface of the new insert when trimming.

   1. On the forward side of the spring assembly, insert a plastic trim tool or plastic wedge in between the #1 and #2 leaf springs, to access the old insert.
      
   2. Push up on insert until it hits the bottom of the spring above it. Then use a suitable cutting tool to cut the stem off from the insert.
      
   3. Remove the top portion of the insert, and then remove the bottom portion of the remaining stem.
      
   4. Using a rag and degreaser, clean any dirt or grease from between the leaf springs at the insert location.
   5. Cut the stem of the new insert with a hacksaw or suitable cutting tool. Make sure to leave 6 mm (0.240 in) of the stem.
      
   6. Apply a small amount of RTV sealer around the remaining portion of the stem.
   7. Install the new insert into the leaf spring. Make sure the stem portion lines up with the slot in the spring. Remove the plastic trim tool or plastic wedge to close the spring and seat the new insert.
8. On the rearward side of the spring assembly, insert a plastic trim tool or plastic wedge in between the #1 and #2 leaf springs to access the old insert.
   1. Remove the old insert.
      
   2. Using a rag and degreaser, clean any dirt or grease from between the leaf springs at the insert location.
      
   3. Install the new full insert into the leaf spring. Remove the plastic trim tool or plastic wedge to close the spring and seat the new insert.
9. Repeat steps #7 and # 8 on the other side of the vehicle.
10. Jump ahead to step # 12.
    
11. Replace Rear Spring shackle (3). Refer to Rear Spring Shackle Replacement in SI.
12. Lower the vehicle to the ground and test drive to verify the repair.

 

Parts Information

Causal Part	Description	Part Number	Qty
N/A	Rear Spring Shackle	84444786	2
	Leaf Spring Insert	84730971	4
	RTV Sealer	88864346 (in Canada, 88861418)	1

[Frank4202]

My 17 has 8,000 miles and making the noise. I notice it most when backing into the driveway. Will show this TSB to the dealer if they give me issues. Thanks!

[WCMS]

11 hours ago, jay webb said:

leaf spring assembly, and install new rear leaf spring inserts, following the procedure below.

Correction 2

To correct this condition, replace the rear shackle following

 

[mookdoc6]

On 10/5/2019 at 8:52 AM, jay webb said:

i replace the leaf spring pads all the time in the rear leaf springs and fix the issue. 

 

there is now a bulletin with an updated leaf spring insert that we are doing at the dealerships. 

 

its not the springs themselves but the pads between the springs. 

If you clean out the springs real good and use AC Delco High temp grease at the pads you will not hear a squeak.  It's sucks to clean em out and guys who use the Truck like a Truck probably will need the new pads which are less abrasive. 

[jay webb]

25 minutes ago, mookdoc6 said:

If you clean out the springs real good and use AC Delco High temp grease at the pads you will not hear a squeak.  It's sucks to clean em out and guys who use the Truck like a Truck probably will need the new pads which are less abrasive. 

it will come back. what we have been doing for a long time at my dealership is replacing the inserts with the round rubber inserts that are on the bottom spring and that has worked wonders. here recently GM came out with the updated insert and bulletin. 

[WCMS]

Jay, if I was too order  new leaf springs from GM now, would I have still have this problem later on? Or are they made different now. I’m thinking about just replacing them but I want too keep the factory height and ride in the rear. Also what do you guys charge too perform the tsb u listed?  Thanks for the help! 

[Eddie 70]

On 10/6/2019 at 10:59 PM, jay webb said:

it will come back. what we have been doing for a long time at my dealership is replacing the inserts with the round rubber inserts that are on the bottom spring and that has worked wonders. here recently GM came out with the updated insert and bulletin. 

Jay, do you have a part number for those new style rubber pads. I might just try those if they are not too expensive.

[jay webb]

4 hours ago, Eddie 70 said:

Jay, do you have a part number for those new style rubber pads. I might just try those if they are not too expensive.

if you scroll up in this thread i posted the bulletin. it has the part #s and how to do it. issue is with the strike going on , we at the dealerships cant get parts for anything. 

[jay webb]

On 10/7/2019 at 8:14 AM, WCMS said:

Jay, if I was too order  new leaf springs from GM now, would I have still have this problem later on? Or are they made different now. I’m thinking about just replacing them but I want too keep the factory height and ride in the rear. Also what do you guys charge too perform the tsb u listed?  Thanks for the help! 

replacing the entire springs isnt going to fix it. and that would be COSTLY

 

the old way we were doing it was about an 1 hr/ 1.5 hr labor 

im sure the new is similar but dont quote me on that. im not sure the cost of the parts. if you need just the inserts or the shackles as well.  

 

looking up times via warranty : 

Rear Leaf Spring Insert Replacement and Re-Torque Bolts

1.0 hr

Rear Spring Shackle Replacement

 

Includes: Drain and Fill Fuel
Base	LABOR TIME:				0.7
Left with Z82	LABOR TIME:				2.8
Left without Z82	LABOR TIME:				2.0
Right with Z82	LABOR TIME:				1.4

now this is warranty time. customer pay time is typically warranty time x 40% not including diag. at my shop we charge 0.5 to 1.0 diag depending on the complaint/system.