Car Owner Experiences Annoying Noise from Rear of Chevy Silverado, Dealership Suggests Tightening U-Bolts but Solution Proved Unsuccessful; Owner Discovers Simple, Quick 10-Minute Solution Instead
In recent times, many owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado have reported a persistent squeaking noise coming from the rear leaf springs of their vehicles. This issue, often more noticeable at low speeds or when going over bumps or uneven surfaces, can be quite frustrating. But fear not, as there's a cost-effective and straightforward solution to this problem.
The common cause of this squeaking issue is typically the two leaf springs rubbing against each other due to debris such as dirt or rust lodged between them or worn spring pads. This friction causes the squeaking noise during suspension movement.
A widely recommended solution is to install aftermarket leaf spring isolation pads, such as "Spring Things". These thicker isolators are placed between the leaf springs to reduce metal-on-metal contact and stop the squeaking. This fix is inexpensive (around $50) and easy to install, often solving the noise problem without needing to replace the entire leaf spring assembly. Lubrication like WD-40 provides only temporary relief, as the noise typically returns after a day.
It's important to address this issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the suspension components. Worn bushings in the shackle or at the leaf spring mount can also contribute to squeaking or creaking. Replacing leaf springs under warranty may not permanently fix the issue.
Ray Tobia Jr, a Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Owners Facebook page member, shared his experience with this issue. He found an affordable and effective solution by installing "Spring Things" – a kit with rubber pads designed to eliminate squeaking by creating a barrier between the leaves. The installation process is straightforward and takes just ten minutes, making it a simple fix that costs a fraction of the dealer's quote for a complete spring replacement.
In summary, the primary cause of the squeaking issue in the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado's rear leaf springs is the two leaf springs rubbing against each other. The recommended solution is to install thicker leaf spring isolators like "Spring Things". This approach is more cost-effective and simpler than replacing the entire rear leaf spring pack.
| Cause | Solution | |----------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Leaf springs rubbing together (due to debris or worn pads) | Install thicker leaf spring isolators ("Spring Things") | | Temporary relief from lubrication (WD-40) but not permanent | Replace or add friction-reducing pads between leaves |
Cars in the automotive industry, such as the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, can sometimes develop a squeaking noise from the rear leaf springs. To rectify this issue in a cost-effective manner, one could consider installing aftermarket leaf spring isolation pads, like "Spring Things", which reduce metal-on-metal contact and stop the noise. Alternatively, improving lifestyle habits like regular car-maintenance, including lubricating the springs with WD-40, may offer temporary relief but are not permanent fixes. It's essential to address such issues promptly to prevent potential damage to the transportation system's suspension components.
