You’ve just spent some time installing your new set of Leaf Springs and you’re ready for a cold one. But when you push on the bumper, you hear a squeak!
This makes you stop and think: Did I order the springs with the mouse option? Boy, I sure hope not. Is my rubber ducky stuck somewhere up there?
Fear not, for we don’t have a mouse installed option. And don’t worry, your rubber ducky is still in the tub waiting for you.
Now, the squeak could be coming from the springs, or it could be coming from somewhere else. But for the sake of this video, let’s pretend the squeak is coming from the springs.
There are two causes for newly installed leaf springs to squeak. And both involve torque.
Too much or too little.
Too much torque would involve the eye and/or the shackle bolts. You have them too tight. Too little torque, it could be the U-bolts. They’re not tight enough.
Check That The Eye and Shackle Bolts Aren’t Too Tight
To check the eye and shackle bolts, take them out and before reinstalling them, coat them with anti-seez. Reinstall them, but just snug them up. Now is not the time to see how strong you are.
Check That The U-bolts Aren’t Too Loose
Then let’s move to the U-bolts. Do not remove them or you will mess up the threads.
Make sure the full weight of the vehicle is on the springs, that is, she’s not hanging in the air. She must be sitting on the tires.
Then torque them U-bolts to spec. If you don’t know what the torque specs are, we show them here. Then to be sure, they hold the spec, retorque the U-bolts after 50 miles and then again after 100 miles.
Now, after all this effort, if you are still hearing squeaks. Chances are it’s not coming from the springs.
