How to fix squeaky leaf springs?

I need some help figuring out what's squeaking in my suspension. I'm assuming it's the rear leaf springs. I've got allpro expedition leafs. I tried some Teflon lube but it didn't help at all. Do I need to unbolt the leafs, drop them down and grease the bushings?

 

I installed a Deaver springs and no more squeaking.

 

If you lubed the pads and the squeaks have not stopped, then it is most likely the cab mounts. I can't remember the torque value, but check the rear four. You can also check the front two by flexing the wheel well liner.

The leaf mounts are clamped in place by the bolts. They cannot rotate unless the bushing is failed or you have something aftermarket in there where the sleeve is not bonded to the bushing.

 

I lubed everything, but I did it with the leafs on the truck so I'm not sure how well the lube got in there. It's a real pain in the ass to drop these things so I'm trying to avoid that. I've read about people removing the leafs, taking them apart and lubing each pad and that just seems like a TON of work for a problem thats just going to return in 6 months. I can't be doing that every 6 months.

I'll loosen the cab mount bolts and try and grease those bushings.

 

Nah! You can lube the leafs in 5min. Jack one side at a time on the frame just in front of the front leaf mount. That will get the most articulation. From there, you can separate each leaf very easily. Use something that will not scratch the paint off of the leafs, like a trim removal tool or screwdriver wrapped with electrical tape. Lube and repeat on the other side.


Don't lube the cab mounts, just check the torque. Snug them up. That takes no time also.

Mine settled and were squeaky like the leafs, but a bit more rapid.

 

White lithium grease spray in all the joints and between the leafs works for me. Don’t even need to jack the truck up, just stick the applicator straw in the gaps on the leaf and spray away.

 

I used TriFlow. Its a dry teflon lub. Works longer than grease.

 

Hmm, you make it sound pretty easy lol. I've never separated leafs before but I'll try it today. What kind of lube do you use?

I heard lithium grease attracts more dirt and grime and to use a teflon lube instead. Maybe thats not correct? I also have some graphite lube I could try.

 

I'm using a spray on teflon lube. I'll try it again today and see what happens.

 

It is as easy as it sounds. I used dry film lube to not attract dust / dirt, but anything will work. I had to do it a few times for the stock leafs to finally get polished up and stop. Car washes and wheeling tended to bring it back.

 

TriFlow is different. The carrier evaporates, leaving only teflon. Other “teflon” lubs are largely petroleum or silicon.

 

Here's the cab mount torques specs from what appears to be a 2nd Gen TSB. I'd be confident to use those on my Taco:

 

I tried various spray lubricants. The one that worked best for me was Boeshield in a spray can. Eventually I got sick of spraying every few months so I just jacked up my rear pried each leaf apart and strapped a bunch of zip ties in various locations of each leaf. Haven't touched or heard a squeak from them in a couple years now.

 

Nice fix! Nylon slides well on steel.


Also just noting that I believe there are replacement pads from a recent TSB?

 

does this squeak happen only when the bed is empty? fully loaded?? or both???

having heavy duty springs with no weight in the bed seems to be a recipe for squeaks

 

How do you separate leafs when there's these clamps on it? There's no bolt to remove the clamps

 

Hmm, it used to be silent either way. My bed has only been pretty empty lately and it's been squeaking. Will be loading it up this weekend though so I will see if it still happens

 

My stock leafs were not clamped like that, nor are my new Icons. At 5,500mi+, they are silent.

Unfortunately, you're kinda screwed with that setup. Are those Deavers? Looks like eight leafs?


Maybe try the cab mounts?

 

Icon RXTs for reference:


Stock leafs were like this, with the keepers not wrapped closed:

 

Yea, some day I'll replace these with a quality leaf pack. This is what I get for trying to save a few hundred bucks... The icons look quite a bit nicer. I appreciate all the help! Will keep you guys posted with what I figure out.