Squeak From Rearend Of 2500 Hd

star2323 · August 7, 2008

I have a '03 2500 HD with the 8.1 and Allison. Last week driving home I noticed a squeaking sound coming from the back of the truck as I drove. I can not tell if it is coming from the right or left side. It was not real loud and I could only notice it when I was going slower than 20 MPH and I had the radio off and windows down. It seemed to squeak more as I accelerated and when I was on the gas and not coasting. Next time I drove the truck it didn't make the sound as all. Then today I drove the truck I could hear the squeak again sometimes but not all of the times.

Any ideas what might be causing this?

Kodiak450 · August 7, 2008

I had a squeak on my 03 2500 noticeable when going over bumps in the roads. I recently sprayed the under chasis with fluid film and it went away. After awhile and as a vehicle ages, they tend to develop a squeak here and there. Areas affected could be springs, shocks, bolts that hold down bed. If you get yourself some fluid film or other type of applicant and spray under chasis with it then see if you still notice squeak. If it goes away, it is an aging issue like surface rust on whatever bolt. Sometimes you'll never find out where what noise comes from where. I always had this noise on my F250 when the 4 wheel drive was engaged and making hard turns, never could pin point where it came from.

2000DV4.8 · August 7, 2008

Check the leaf spring and shackle bushings, as well as the shock bushings.

star2323 · August 8, 2008

Check the leaf spring and shackle bushings, as well as the shock bushings.

What exactly am I looking for on the leaf spring and shackle bushings? I'll admit it I'm not all that mechanically inclined!

Also what is fluid film?

MotrHEDx81 · August 8, 2008

Check the leaf spring and shackle bushings, as well as the shock bushings.

What exactly am I looking for on the leaf spring and shackle bushings? I'll admit it I'm not all that mechanically inclined!

Also what is fluid film?

There is a bulletin out there regarding the rear springs. The plastic leaf separators eventually deteriorate causing metal to metal contact. My truck does what it sounds you are describing. I've never done anything for it but I would guess slipping some good grease in between the leaves would help with the noise.

95Sierra2500 · August 8, 2008

Another thing to check is your rear U-joint. When the grease dries up in them, they tend to start squeaking. Needle rollers don't really like being dry.

Draenor · August 8, 2008

Another thing to check is your rear U-joint. When the grease dries up in them, they tend to start squeaking. Needle rollers don't really like being dry.

+1, Tim ... The squeak will only be heard around 25mph and under. It will increase/decrease the count of squeaking depending on your speed. Change the rear u-joint.

star2323 · August 8, 2008

+1, Tim ... The squeak will only be heard around 25mph and under. It will increase/decrease the count of squeaking depending on your speed. Change the rear u-joint.

If it is the u-joint how big of job is it to change one? About what would cost to have a shop do it?

Thanks

Kodiak450 · August 8, 2008

Fluid film is a type of oil you apply to the under carriage to help retard the harmful effects of road salt and water. It keeps the under carriage oily/greasy and will prevent surface rust from forming if applied regulary. I started using it 2 years ago because I have a snow plowing business in the winter and can't tell you how many times parts prematurely started to rust from road salt. Only downside about using fluid film is that once applied, any dirt will stick to the fluid film, but it will protect the brake lines and anything else that is metal. The easiest and fastest way to apply it is to use a paint sprayer connected to a air compressor. There was also a topic I started about this and some other members used bar and chain oil and other known products. The bar and chain oil would be a good idea, cost less too! Only problem I see using it in a sprayer is it would have to be heated up so it thins out before spraying. I also knew a guy who new someone who use to use diesel as an under carriage lube. I was actaully thinking of trying diesel as it would cost less then fluid film and not be as thick, only problem it would smell strong and wash off faster.

star2323 · September 4, 2008

Looks like it is the U-joint. I'm taking it to the shop tomorrow to be sure. What is a fair price to have the U-joint replaced? I don't want to get gouged.