Troublesome Noise from Rear of Chevy Silverado Persisted Despite Dealer's U-Bolt Tightening; Discovered a Straightforward, Quick 10-Minute Fix Instead
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has been known to experience a persistent squeaking noise from the rear leaf springs, causing frustration for many owners. This issue, however, can be addressed with some simple and cost-effective solutions.
Common causes of this problem include loose U-bolts on the rear leaf springs, debris such as dirt or rust lodged between the leaf springs, and worn or damaged spring components. A frequent manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) advises checking and re-torquing the U-bolts to the correct specification, as loose U-bolts often cause annoying clunks and squeaks. Additionally, debris caught between leaf springs can cause rubbing noises, and worn springs may also contribute to the sound.
For troubleshooting and solutions:
- Check and re-torque the U-bolts that secure the rear leaf springs according to Chevrolet's specifications. This is a simple, quick, and cost-effective first step often recommended by dealerships and owners.
- Inspect for debris such as dirt, rust, or foreign material between leaf springs and clean it out to prevent rubbing noises.
- If the springs are worn or damaged, examine their condition. In some cases, replacing them might be necessary, although a complete spring replacement can be costly.
- In some instances, suspension components like shock or strut mount bushings may be worn and cause suspension noises. Inspecting those parts can also be beneficial.
Other suggestions reported by Silverado owners include verifying tightness of related suspension fasteners and considering aftermarket anti-squeak lubricants or pads specifically designed for leaf springs, although these are not officially confirmed by Chevrolet.
One Silverado owner, Ray Tobia Jr, shared his experience with this issue on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Owners Facebook page. He discovered a simple and affordable solution to this problem: a product called 'Spring Things'. This kit offers rubber pads designed to eliminate squeaking by creating a barrier between the leaves. The cost of 'Spring Things' is approximately $50, which is much cheaper than changing out the rear springs. The installation of 'Spring Things' requires a bit of lubricant to make it easier.
If the issue persists after trying these solutions, it's recommended to take the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer or a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. A silicone-based lubricant can help reduce friction and quiet the noise. General Motors has also issued service bulletins addressing this issue, which may provide specific repair procedures.
In conclusion, addressing the squeaking noise from the rear leaf springs on a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado can be achieved with a few straightforward steps. Starting with the simplest fix—checking the U-bolts and cleaning debris—before considering replacement of springs or other parts is recommended.
- In some cases, the persistent squeaking noise from the rear leaf springs in a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado might be due to loose U-bolts, and tightening them to the correct specifications can help resolve the issue.
- When dealing with this problem, inspecting the car's leaf springs for lodged debris such as dirt, rust, or foreign material can prevent rubbing noises and potential further damage.
- If debris is not the cause, worn or damaged spring components may be contributing to the squeaking noise. In such instances, examining the condition of the springs and considering replacement, if necessary, might be a necessary step.
