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If you’ve got a clunk or squeak from your 2021 Chevy Silverado’s rear springs, you’re not alone.
Ray Tobia Jr shares on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500 Owners Facebook page his dilemma that many Silverado owners can relate to.
His 2021 Chevy Silverado developed a maddening clunk and squeak, a common but frustrating problem for many owners. The noise comes from the rear springs, and the options are to pay the dealership’s steep price for a complete spring replacement.
But there’s another better solution, according to Ray.
He set out to find a solution that was both effective and affordable. What he discovered was a simple fix, one that takes just ten minutes and costs a fraction of the dealer’s quote, proving that a bit of ingenuity can save a lot of money and a lot of headaches.
He says,
My 2021 Chevy Silverado LT has a problem with the rear springs. I’m sure some of you have heard of or used these, but I wanted to share them with those who haven’t.
I had a very annoying clunk/squeak in the rear, especially when driving over very low speed bumps or pulling out of my driveway or into a parking lot.
There is a TSB from Chevrolet to check and re-torque the U-bolts; mine were loose, so I did torque them back to the correct specifications (worth checking yours even if you don’t have any issues).
But that did not fix the issue.
I found out by spraying WD40 between the two leaf springs at the front and the back that the noise was coming from there. The noise would return a day or so after spraying.
So, I found a company that sells these ‘Spring Things’ because Chevy has no other solution, except replacing the entire leaf springs. It’s a super-easy 10-minute install. There is even an installation video on their website.
Ray suggests using a little lube to make it easier.
But for the $50 bucks, the noise went away, and it was much cheaper/easier than changing out the rear springs.
What is the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado’s problem with the rear springs?
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The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has been known to have a squeaking issue with the rear leaf springs. This is a common complaint among owners of this model year and can be caused by various factors within the suspension system.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Common Causes:
- Debris between leaf springs: Debris like dirt, rust, or other contaminants can get lodged between the leaf springs, causing them to rub and squeak.
- Worn spring pads: The leaf springs have pads (often made of UHMW plastic) at the ends to prevent metal-on-metal contact. These pads can wear down or detach, leading to squeaking.
- Misaligned leaf springs: If the individual leaves within the spring pack are not correctly aligned, they can rub against each other or the clamps, causing noise.
- Worn bushings: Bushings in the shackle (where the leaf spring connects to the frame) or at the leaf spring mount can also contribute to squeaking or creaking.
Troubleshooting and Solutions:
- Inspection: First, inspect the leaf spring pack for signs of debris, wear, or misalignment.
- Lubrication: Applying a silicone-based lubricant to the spring pads and bushings can help reduce friction and quiet the noise.
- Spring Thing: Spring Thing offers a kit with rubber pads designed to eliminate squeaking by creating a barrier between the leaves. This product is a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for the Silverado’s rear spring noise problem.
- Dealer Service: If the issue persists, it’s recommended to take the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer or a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. They may need to replace worn parts or address alignment issues.
- Service Bulletins: General Motors (GM) has issued service bulletins (like 21-NA-138) addressing this issue, which may provide specific repair procedures.
Important Notes:
Some users have reported that replacing leaf springs under warranty didn’t permanently fix the issue.
The squeaking noise is often more noticeable at low speeds or when going over bumps or uneven surfaces.
It’s important to address the issue to prevent potential damage to the suspension components.
Conclusion:
While checking and re-torquing the U-bolts is a good first step, it often doesn’t solve the problem. The real culprit is usually the friction between the leaf springs.
Instead of replacing the entire spring assembly, as Chevrolet suggests, which can be costly, a simple and affordable fix is to install “Spring Things”.
Ray Tobia Jr says it’s a cheap and easy solution for an annoying problem. This quick, 10-minute install could eliminate the noise, saving you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Note: This is not an endorsement for the product.
It’s Your Turn
Does your Chevy Silverado pickup have a clunk or squeak from your rear springs? How did you fix it? We want to hear about your experiences and solutions. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Chevy Silverado story: I Bought a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss in March, and This Thing Is a Piece of Work. I’ve Never Had This Many Problems With a Truck in Such a Short Time
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Ray Tobia Jr
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Source: torquenews.com
