Noisy Leaf Springs

[bronyaur]

My leaf springs are noisy, and have been since the day I bought the truck. Every time I hit a bump, the rear end makes a loud clakkity sound. The only thing I can think it would be are the leaf springs. I've inspected them (and everything else) closely and there doesn't seem to be anything missing, like rubber dampers or anything, and nothing appears broken.

 

My truck is a '99 K1500 ext. cab. P/U short box OBS, but my dad has the same issue with his 2003 4WD 2500HD ext. cab. P/U short box.

 

Has anyone else had this problem and found a fix?

[GM-Tech]

Rear Leaf Spring Slap or Clunk Noise (Replace Spring Insert and Insulator) #03-03-09-002A - (Apr 29, 2004)

 

 

1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Series Pickups

 

2000-2004 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 Series

 

2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 Series

 

2003-2004 Chevrolet Express 2500/3500 Vans with 8500 GVWR (RPO C5F), 8600 GVWR (RPO C6P) or 9600 GVWR (RPO C6Y)

 

1999-2004 GMC Sierra 1500/2500 Series Pickups

 

2000-2004 GMC Yukon XL 2500 Series

 

2003-2004 GMC Savana 2500/3500 Vans with 8500 GVWR (RPO C5F), 8600 GVWR (RPO C6P) or 9600 GVWR (RPO C6Y)

 

This bulletin is being revised to add models and update the labor time. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-03-09-002 (Section 03 -- Suspension).

 

Condition

Some customers may comment on a rear leaf spring slap or clunk noise. This noise is most apparent when the vehicle is operated over irregular road surfaces.

 

Correction

 

 

Verify that the rear leaf spring inserts (1) and insulators (2) are present on the leading and trailing ends of the overload spring (second stage leaf). The insert may have broken apart from wear and fallen out. If the insert and insulator are not present, install new ones.

 

 

Important

On some models, the vehicle may have to be raised to allow the springs to separate enough so the insert can be installed.

 

 

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

 

15604067

Insert, Spring Leaf

 

15053476

Insulator, Rear Spring Leaf

 

 

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

 

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

 

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

 

E5168*

Insulator and/or Insert, Rear Leaf Spring - One or All - Replace

0.3 hr

 

 

* This is a new labor operation number. The next update of the Labor Time Guide will contain this new number.

 

 

 

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

 

 

© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

[hoorders]

My leaf springs are noisy, and have been since the day I bought the truck.  Every time I hit a bump, the rear end makes a loud clakkity sound.  The only thing I can think it would be are the leaf springs.  I've inspected them (and everything else) closely and there doesn't seem to be anything missing, like rubber dampers or anything, and nothing appears broken.

 

My truck is a '99 K1500 ext. cab. P/U short box OBS, but my dad has the same issue with his 2003 4WD 2500HD ext. cab. P/U short box.

 

Has anyone else had this problem and found a fix?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

The simplist and cheapest fix is simply go to your local hardware store and buy yourself some 2.5" to 1.5" rubber pipe fitings. Its the soft black rubber stuff for ABS drain pipe. Im not exactly sure whats its made of but they are simply a reducer fitting. They work perfect for the noisy leaf springs. They will slide right over your preload spring thats slapping around. I put some on my 2000 1500 30k ago and they are still in perfect shape.

[firstruck]

My leaf springs are noisy, and have been since the day I bought the truck.  Every time I hit a bump, the rear end makes a loud clakkity sound.  The only thing I can think it would be are the leaf springs.  I've inspected them (and everything else) closely and there doesn't seem to be anything missing, like rubber dampers or anything, and nothing appears broken.

 

My truck is a '99 K1500 ext. cab. P/U short box OBS, but my dad has the same issue with his 2003 4WD 2500HD ext. cab. P/U short box.

 

Has anyone else had this problem and found a fix?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

The simplist and cheapest fix is simply go to your local hardware store and buy yourself some 2.5" to 1.5" rubber pipe fitings. Its the soft black rubber stuff for ABS drain pipe. Im not exactly sure whats its made of but they are simply a reducer fitting. They work perfect for the noisy leaf springs. They will slide right over your preload spring thats slapping around. I put some on my 2000 1500 30k ago and they are still in perfect shape.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

DUDE! thats my repair! Did you figure it out on your own or from my posts here? It works great and costs like 1.89 per. great minds think alike!

[bronyaur]

Thanks for the advice. I'll have to plead ignorant, though. Which is the preload spring?

[firstruck]

Bron- These slip over the "helper"or "overload" spring. It is the lowest spring in the spring stack. The one that looks like its kinda seperated. take the reducer and put one each(front and rear-4 total) on the helper spring leafs about 3 inches in from the end. I got my reducers at a sears hardware and put'em on in the lot, zippo-presto no more clanking. If you jam them all the way up against the other springs it will noticibly stiffen the rear, i found that has not a good ride and backed off to approx the OEM location(should see the OEM holes in the spring)

[hoorders]

My leaf springs are noisy, and have been since the day I bought the truck.  Every time I hit a bump, the rear end makes a loud clakkity sound.  The only thing I can think it would be are the leaf springs.  I've inspected them (and everything else) closely and there doesn't seem to be anything missing, like rubber dampers or anything, and nothing appears broken.

 

My truck is a '99 K1500 ext. cab. P/U short box OBS, but my dad has the same issue with his 2003 4WD 2500HD ext. cab. P/U short box.

 

Has anyone else had this problem and found a fix?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

The simplist and cheapest fix is simply go to your local hardware store and buy yourself some 2.5" to 1.5" rubber pipe fitings. Its the soft black rubber stuff for ABS drain pipe. Im not exactly sure whats its made of but they are simply a reducer fitting. They work perfect for the noisy leaf springs. They will slide right over your preload spring thats slapping around. I put some on my 2000 1500 30k ago and they are still in perfect shape.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

DUDE! thats my repair! Did you figure it out on your own or from my posts here? It works great and costs like 1.89 per. great minds think alike!

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

No way!!!.............thats hilarious.................I figured that out on my own. I figured that if GM is just going to sell us a piece of rubber to put on the leafs than I might as well do it myself. Its not a cosmetic issue so plumming parts work just fine......

[bronyaur]

Thanks. I'll give them a try and report back.

 

[firstruck]

 

[willfxp]

I think I have a similar problem, but I think it's coming from my front left torsion bar. I tried adjusting it the other day, and ever since then if I drive over a speed bump I'll hear a little clink or two. Same problem and just a coincidence it happened when I adjusted the t-bar?

 

Thanks.

[firstruck]

I think I have a similar problem, but I think it's coming from my front left torsion bar. I tried adjusting it the other day, and ever since then if I drive over a speed bump I'll hear a little clink or two.  Same problem and just a coincidence it happened when I adjusted the t-bar?

 

Thanks.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Will, I had an annoying clink or rattle or something from the front as well. turned out to be that the front brake pads were loose in the retainers(crappy aftermarket stuff) took forever to figure out. put in OEM pads and RETAINERS, she's quiet now. Reach into the caliper from behind with your finger, if you can sorta jiggle the pad around this might be your problem as well.

[bronyaur]

I just went to the local Ace Hardware and the flex couplers and/or reducers they have for ABS/cast pipe are pretty thick and come with hose clamps. They are about $4 each, or more than twice as much as the item suggested. I tried to flatten the 2" coupler and imagine sliding it onto the overload spring, but that didn't help. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing. Is there any way you can be more specific about the part you are sugggesting?

[firstruck]

I just went to the local Ace Hardware and the flex couplers and/or reducers they have for ABS/cast pipe are pretty thick and come with hose clamps.  They are about $4 each, or more than twice as much as the item suggested.  I tried to flatten the 2" coupler and imagine sliding it onto the overload spring, but that didn't help.  Maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing.  Is there any way you can be more specific about the part you are sugggesting?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Ya, you're diffinately looking at the wrong thing. These reducers are no bigger around then a beer can(a refference we can all relate to!) I'll try to find a pic on the web(don't hold your breath)

[Stefan]

Thanks Firsttruck.

I have been lurking on this one as I have this exact problem too.

 

Question, could you (or someone) Take a pic of where on the springs you are talking about to install the 'reducer'? Of cousre and the pic of the reducer as well....

 

Regards

[firstruck]

Thanks Firsttruck.

I have been lurking on this one as I have this exact problem too.

 

Question, could you (or someone)  Take a pic of where on the springs you are talking about to install the 'reducer'?  Of cousre and the pic of the reducer as well....

 

Regards

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Called Sears Hardware, guys says it's a p/n 83-44855