Rubbing noise at rear of truck

[Jworks]

2011 Sierra, 5.3, 4x4.  I started noticing a noise when I drive over uneven ground.  I thought it was coming from the front end,  but my hearing is not good so I don't know.  Then yesterday I let the tailgate down and sat on it.  I noticed the noise....a rubbing sound from underneath the truck.  I bounced it up and down and could hear it with every move up and down - like a rubbing noise or squeak, over and over with each bounce.  Any suggestions as to what this could be?

 

Edited May 11, 2022 by Jworks

[CamGTP]

Get another person to help pinpoint the noise.

 

My guess is that it's a bushing on the leaf springs or some along those lines that is causing the noise.

[Jworks]

I was wondering about that too.  I felt of them as the noise occurred but felt nothing.  I'll just take it in to the shop.

[Jworks]

 

CamGTP you were right.  It was a bushing.  Lubed them all so no more noise.

 

[Jworks]

CamGTP, for a few days I've I started hearing this noise again.  I got under the bed and rocked it pulling down and pushing up best I could do (by myself).  I think its the front bushing of the leaf spring.  I decided to try to hold onto the leaf spring with one hand near the front of the spring and push up/pull down best I could with one hand. When I heard the squeak I could feel some small vibrations through the metal with the hand holding the spring.  I had lubed it with white lithium grease; but decided I would douse it real good with WD40 thinking that was thinner and might soak in more easily and quicker -- just to see if I would notice a change in the squeak.  I did.  It was still there but much less.  An hour later I drove it and when I got home no squeak can be heard.  So, I'm thinking, rightly or wrongly, its that grommet that's squeaking.  WD40 may not last, I have no illusions that its a permanent fix.  But there is no squeak at all now.  I even stood on the bumper and rocked it up and down.  Nothing.  If it comes back do you have a suggestion for a more permanent fix short of replacing a leaf spring?  I don't really want that expense unless I just have to because I may trade it in or sell this truck by fall.

 

•