Symptoms
- Squeak or clunk from the rear of a truck or SUV with leaf springs
- Noise worse when loaded or over bumps
- Sometimes a metallic scraping sound
Likely causes
- CommonDry or worn leaf spring bushingsThe rubber bushings at the spring's mounting points wear out and allow metal-to-metal contact.
- CommonLeaves rubbing together without enough lubricationLeaf springs stacked together can squeak as they flex if the anti-friction pads or lubrication have worn away.
- PossibleBroken or cracked leafA cracked individual leaf can cause a more pronounced clunk or noise.
What to do
- Inspect the bushings at each end of the leaf spring for visible wear or cracking.
- Look between the individual leaves for missing anti-friction pads or rust buildup.
- Apply a suitable leaf spring lubricant between leaves if that's the identified cause and accessible.
- Check for any visibly cracked or broken leaf in the stack.
- Have a mechanic replace worn bushings or the affected leaf if lubrication doesn't resolve the noise.
Tools and parts
- Leaf spring lubricant (if applicable)
Leaf spring bushing kitSearch: “leaf spring bushing for [your truck model]”
When to call a pro
A mechanic can identify whether it's simply dry bushings or a more significant issue like a cracked leaf that needs replacement.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.