Squeaky Leaf Springs

I currently have 1500 miles on my 2017 off road and the leaf springs started squeaking after actually taking the damn thing off road.

Yesterday, I took the truck to the dealer and they ended up putting lithium grease on the pads between the leafs...everything is quiet.

This most likely isn't a permanent fix, but Toyota is aware of the issue as they had the dealer open up a case with corporate. Toyota isn't recommending lubricating the pads, they just wanted pictures of the leaf springs and videos of the squeaking as they are not sure what to do yet.

If your having issues with yours, get it documented! Toyota is still figuring out leaf springs, since it's such a new technology.

 

I stuffed the bushings and leafs with bar oil when I coated my frame and it hasn't squeaked in 3000 miles

 

The regional FTS had to fly out from Denver to fix them last spring. It worked for awhile but he warned me they didn't have a permanent fix yet. Mine started squeaking again about 7k miles later....just last week.

 

I've got a 2016 limited with squeaky leafs as well. couldn't pinpoint what the sound was until now! thought it was coming from the front end but the leafs- makes sense.

any recourse through Toyota for your noise? would be nice if they did a TSB

 

My opinion from observation on this issue since buying my truck over a year ago is toyota is foot dragging this and there may not ever be a permanent fix.

Read here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/were-your-2016-oem-leaf-springs-replaced-repaired.441054/

 

Leaf springs are not complicated. They take about an hour to remove and there are only a few points where there is contact and can make noise. In my experience, I've fixed squeaking leafs just by lubricating the front bolts and bushings, and the rear shackles. I use a synthetic silicone grease and it lasts a long, long time.

I get this is a new truck and you may feel like you shouldn't have to do anything to it, but you may find you reduce a whole lot of stress and frustration just by getting your own hands dirty. Taking care of minor issues myself sure beats the frustration of having to make an appointment with Toyota, take time away from work, sit around while they attempt a fix, fail to fix it, etc.

 

I wash mine with high pressure washer aftwr hirting the dirt
Never really had a problem.

 

Finally someone agrees with me! This^

 

TSB came out 2 weeks ago

 

That appears to be a Tech Tip (TT) not a TSB

 

Makes total sense...that's the only other place where contact occurs and while greases and other lubricants may attract dirt, it may be worth trying other, non sticky methods of protection...maybe auto/marine waxes. Durable, slick, non sticky. That slick soft feeling after waxing your car? Maybe worth applying some of that on the pad/leaf surface.

 

My bad the TSB was for the driveline

 

Just dropped my truck for 20k oil change and sunshine treatment. Mentioned tech tip for the leafs and they were aware. They know me by name at this service department BTW (shocking I know). They're going to clean out my leafs and change the oil. Said it would take an hour total. Nice and slow today.

 

Service advisor applied the tech tip. It seemed to work for now. We will see how soon they start squeaking again. He SPECIFICALLY said their tech instructions are NOT to lubricate the leafs or any components on the leaf assemblies FYI

 

haha. I love the internet.

 

Mine only squeak when real dirty with mud or dirt. I take a Hose and spray them out, squeak gone..

 

what did your service advisor send you for xmas?

 

A pack of chocolate covered marshmallows from crate & barrel for hot chocolate. The wife enjoyed.

 

Like firearms in a sandy environment, too much oil traps debris. While it decreases noise and scoring it can causes a wet sanding effect. Using SOME lubricants though should work fine though. I'd think a graphite base would work awesome.

The tech tip does seem logical. Will be interesting to see if they have standard part numbers for this or if it's what techs have handy to space the leafs.

Has anyone experienced this squeeking with Dakars?