Troubleshooting a Noisy Chevy Silverado Rear: Dealer's Suggestion of Tightening U-Bolts Failed, but I Discovered an Easy 10-Minute Solution
In the automotive world, one of the most common complaints from 2021 Chevy Silverado owners has been the persistent squeaking noise coming from the rear leaf springs. This issue, caused by metal-on-metal contact between the individual leaf springs, can be frustrating and potentially damaging to the suspension components.
One owner, Ray Tobia Jr, found the source of the noise between the two leaf springs at the front and the back by spraying WD40. His investigation led him to the realization that the lack or wear of isolators or pads between the leaf springs was the primary cause of the noise.
The practical and cost-effective solution favored by many owners is to install aftermarket leaf spring isolators, such as "Spring Things". These isolators are thicker pads placed between the leaf springs to stop the metal parts from rubbing directly, thus eliminating the squeak.
Installing "Spring Things" is a quick and easy fix, taking about 10 minutes and costing around $50. This is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire leaf spring assembly as suggested by Chevrolet. Moreover, these kits often come with installation guidance or videos to make the process even easier.
Lubricants like WD-40 may provide temporary relief, but the noise typically returns after a day or so. Therefore, lubricating is not a long-term fix for this issue.
If the issue persists, it's recommended to take the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer or a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. However, using 'Spring Things' is a more affordable alternative to the dealership's quote for a complete spring replacement.
In summary, the root cause of the rear leaf spring squeak in the 2021 Silverado is the direct friction between leaf springs, and the recommended solution is installing dedicated isolators or pads to eliminate metal-on-metal contact. Installing "Spring Things" can eliminate the noise, saving you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado's rear leaf spring issue, caused by direct metal-on-metal contact, can lead to damage and frustration. Aftermarket leaf spring isolators like "Spring Things" provide a cost-effective and practical solution, preventing metal parts from rubbing and eliminating the squeak. Despite the temporary relief that lubricants like WD-40 may offer, it's not a long-term fix for this problem.
