Leaf Spring Rattle

[zorrro]

Our '96 suburban rattles when driving on our DIRT road. The rattle comes from these (Both sides) metal guides fitted around the rear leaf springs. Looks like they keep the springs in position when subject to loads and such that may want to twist them out of position. They are riveted to the springs with heavy-duty chassis style rivets and they have become loose and tinker down the bumpy road (Keeps the bears away!). I have used a heavy hammer and anvil to beat the rivets tight again with no luck. I'm thinking about just blopping on a bead of weld to hold the guide to the rivet or spring. My dilemma is this: Will that little amount of heat soften my spring and screw up my ride height adding to the boatiness of the rig? I have heard rumors of guys (and girls) screwing up modern vehicles by using an electric arc welder on them? Any ideas? Anybody have this problem?

Thanks

 

[RyanbabZ71]

you may want to look into leaf spring insulators. I dont know if they would fit a 96 but for the 99+ trucks they make them to quiet down loud leaf springs.

 

Description for Part Number: 15604174

INSULATOR

Your Price: $42.09 Core Charge: $0.00 List Price: $61.12

Total Price: $42.09

 

Check this out

 

http://tommy3z71.homestead.com/spring_insulators.html

[AZ-Z71]

Why don't you drop a little hot glue or some silicone in the gap between the clip and the leafs. Should take up a little extra gap and shouldn't hurt anything.

[zorrro]

Thanks,

 

It really isn't spring slap. If you turn the stereo up load enough you can get the loose metal holders to jiggle pretty good. It doesn't have to be a big bump either any pebble or grated pavement does it. You can hear it better from outside the rig. I think I'll try the silicone solution, since everthing I need is handy. If It don't work it's no loss. Keep you posted.....................Zorrro

[zorrro]

I finally got around to doing something about the rattle. I cleaned the area around the guides with a wire wheel and drill. Then I used some blue RTV silicone around both sides and no more jingle bells! Thanks……..Zorrro

 

 

 

[tmf6902]

Looks like some Duct Tape could fix that!!!!! I have the same problem I've been to lazy to rig something up to fix it.

[az'03Silverado]

If they get noisy again you can always knock the head of the rivet off and replace it with a heavy duty bolt, nut and lock washer.

[Chris97K1500]

I just used grease and a C clamp and squeezed the bracket together. Been a year, and no rattling. Chris

[cit1991]

you may want to look into leaf spring insulators.  I dont know if they would fit a 96 but for the 99+ trucks they make them to quiet down loud leaf springs.

 

Description for Part Number: 15604174

INSULATOR

Your Price: $42.09    Core Charge: $0.00 List Price: $61.12

Total Price: $42.09

 

Check this out

 

http://tommy3z71.homestead.com/spring_insulators.html

 

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Finally! The solution. I have been dealing with this problem for a long time now. The above insulators fixed it. It's different from the slip yoke problem, a different sound altogether. Everybody I asked thought I was describing the yoke problem. Thanks for sharing, and thanks to the host of that website for the pics.

[chexmix]

Is there a TSB for this? I was told there was from another truck forum.