The Dreaded Squeaky Leafs

So, once upon a time I owned a 2nd gen, and while it served me very well for 200k miles before I off-loaded it, I was constantly battling those damned squeaky leafs. Fast-forward to now, I own a 2021 model with only 4K miles and while cruising slowly around a National park yesterday on paved ground, I noticed a creaking/squeaking that sounded similar to my squeaky leaf issue on my 2nd gen. I did try the search function before posting and found mostly 2nd gen stuff…

I was hoping they fixed it on the newer models… anyone else?

 

We fix this at the dealer by simply lubricating the silencer pads with synthetic lube. You spread the leaf with a screw driver and push in silaglyde, or spray lubricant in.

 

thanks! I’ll do that. It’s frustrating that it’s even an issue on a brand new $40k truck!

 

My 16 did it when I got it and it made no sense, sounded like a 50 year old truck.

I tried washing them loaded and unloaded, no luck.

Finally someone tried the lubricant and it fixed it long term.

The 2nd gens had replacement silencer pads, but the 3rd gen is presumed to be those pads.

 

If you jack up one side just ahead of the leaf mount, you can almost separate the leafs by hand. Takes 5min total.

The squeak will go away eventually as the surfaces get mated and polished.

 

This fixed it for me: https://www.kbvoodoo.com/blog/2017/4/6/squeaks-are-annoying

 

Reminds me of an old article I read about Jeeps once about packing leaf springs with grease and then wrapping the whole mess with leather and lacing it up. Definitely would quiet things down.
Personally I don't think it would be worth it.

 

There's a TSB for squeaky leaf springs: T-SB-0273-17. I had it done on my truck early on. It has permanently eliminated the squeak.

 

I use motorcycle chain wax on mine when they get squeaky. Usually last me 6months-1year between squeaks.

 

I just googled that TSB and it only lists 16-17 model years…?

 

If that's the case you'll have to revert to one of the DIY remedies. I was getting ready to do the same back in '17 when I came across the TSB and decided to give it a shot. Might be worth your time to check with a dealer to see if it still applies. The worst thing they could do is say "No."

 

For the longest time, I thought my leafs squeaked. It was actually a spare that was squeaking. I lowered the tire, cleaned it and no more noise. Hope that helps.

 

Did the dealership charge you for it? My 2016 w/ 45k miles needs the same, but I have no warranty.

 

No. I had reported the issue within the 1st year and had to wait for them to get the parts in. I don't know if they charge for TSBs. You could ask the dealer.

 

Alright, thanks.

 

Any ideas on what could be making the front suspension squeak? I've got a nasty squeek coming from the front driver well. I've lived everything that moves and it still squeaks