issue Popping noise from under the bed area?

[Silverado2016]

GM part#'s on the 2016: Rear leaf spring packs

 

#23401109 - double cab 4x4 - standard leaf spring

#23401108 - enhanced tow package spring.

 

I'm assuming the enhanced tow package is a heavier spring capable of heavier capacity loads, but do not know for certain.

 

It would be interesting to see what spring part number people are having issues with. Is it both, or just one of the above mentioned leaf packs?

I'll be looking closer at mine to see which set of springs are on it.

 

I still believe it is the plastic abrasion pads that are picking up grit and prematurely wearing or creating friction between the steel leafs. There may also be something going on with the rubber mount bushings and grommet inserts at the ends of the springs. Unfortunately the GM dealer just told me and showed me that GM does not sell the plastic pads or rubber bushings separately. The entire leaf spring assembly is sold as a unit. Hence the reason that GM replaced my springs twice to eliminate the noises during the first 25,000 miles on my vehicle. Probably also why the GM regional rep was telling me they no longer replace the springs again. It's becoming costly for GM to fix our vehicles properly - both from a parts and labor standpoint.

 

Doesn't make it right, and doesn't fix the issue to just clean and lube these parts no matter what type of lubricant or grease. All of these are temporary fixes that don't eliminate the problem permanently or long term. Lubricants only make the issue return faster as they all pick up road grime/grit as you travel down the highway.

 

Will see what GM has in store for us, but its definitely a design flaw they won't admit and own up to.

[SilverLTZ71]

GM part#'s on the 2016: Rear leaf spring packs

 

#23401109 - double cab 4x4 - standard leaf spring

#23401108 - enhanced tow package spring.

 

I'm assuming the enhanced tow package is a heavier spring capable of heavier capacity loads, but do not know for certain.

 

It would be interesting to see what spring part number people are having issues with. Is it both, or just one of the above mentioned leaf packs?

I'll be looking closer at mine to see which set of springs are on it.

 

I still believe it is the plastic abrasion pads that are picking up grit and prematurely wearing or creating friction between the steel leafs. There may also be something going on with the rubber mount bushings and grommet inserts at the ends of the springs. Unfortunately the GM dealer just told me and showed me that GM does not sell the plastic pads or rubber bushings separately. The entire leaf spring assembly is sold as a unit. Hence the reason that GM replaced my springs twice to eliminate the noises during the first 25,000 miles on my vehicle. Probably also why the GM regional rep was telling me they no longer replace the springs again. It's becoming costly for GM to fix our vehicles properly - both from a parts and labor standpoint.

 

Doesn't make it right, and doesn't fix the issue to just clean and lube these parts no matter what type of lubricant or grease. All of these are temporary fixes that don't eliminate the problem permanently or long term. Lubricants only make the issue return faster as they all pick up road grime/grit as you travel down the highway.

 

Will see what GM has in store for us, but its definitely a design flaw they won't admit and own up to.

I would really like to see a poll on this. I just have a Z71 none tow package and I have been in the shop 3 times and I am still having to turn my radio up higher and higher.

[royalkangaroo]

I just had mine in today for an oil change and they greased them again. (And I mean GREASED, they're packed) absolutely no popping which is nice. But grease obviously holds dirt, and when the grease wears thin again I'm sure the popping will be back. My ears are happy for now though.

[Silverado2016]

Just swapped my GM factory plastic spring pads with rubber pads. Not an official repair method per TSB, however I can tell you from experience that this method eliminated all the noises from the rear of the vehicle. No help from the GM regional rep that was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, or technical support, or GM customer service.

[royalkangaroo]

Just swapped my GM factory plastic spring pads with rubber pads. Not an official repair method per TSB, however I can tell you from experience that this method eliminated all the noises from the rear of the vehicle. No help from the GM regional rep that was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, or technical support, or GM customer service.

Can you take some pictures?

[Silverado2016]

Photos of the plastic wear pads to rubber pad swap - completed. The plastic leaf wear pads/spacers are total junk on these vehicles, and can't be purchased separately. SO this is the fix unless you go out and buy an entire new leaf spring pack and assembly.

 

This pad swap is not a permanent lifetime of the vehicle fix, however I would be betting that it outlasts the factory plastic pads. The dealer mechanic has seen this type of replacement last 50,000 miles or more.

 

I've also updated to 5100 series leveling Bilsteins, from the stock factory GM Ranchos. The rear Ranchos had failed (lost all rebound) at 30,000 highway miles or prior to this. Ranchos made for GM are complete junk as well.

 

As of now, with 500 miles on the rubber pad swap - there are NO noises remaining from the rear of the vehicle. The Bilsteins are much better for road handling. The rubber pads between the springs silenced the noises from the rear of the vehicle and enhanced the on road handling and performance. Eliminated most of the old large boat type body roll in the suspension.

 

It's pathetic GM's engineering dept, R&D and or field test team couldn't come up with a solution. I feel like they want their vehicles to fail after a short time and then try to convince us to just trade it in for pennies on the dollar and buy new. Why would any customer want their product again if it only lasts 25,000 miles?

Edited September 2, 2017 by Silverado2016

[Codi E]

Took mine in for oil change and had them look into this noise and they came back to me and said we will have your. Ew leaf springs in this week to be replaced!

[Silverado2016]

Took mine in for oil change and had them look into this noise and they came back to me and said we will have your. Ew leaf springs in this week to be replaced!

 

 

Good luck with the leaf spring replacement. My truck has had three sets of rear leaf springs on it as of 25,000 miles, including the original factory springs. First replaced at 10,000 miles, another at 25,000 miles. The original springs were from a Canada plant, both sets of replacements were from Mexico plants. So it's not a quality control issue as the parts were from entirely different parts plants and batches. Mostly highway miles and not towing or hauling anything other than a step ladder or small tool box similar to the Silverado truck commercial. My belief is the metal parts of the springs are not failing, its the poorly designed plastic leaf spring wear/abrasion pads that are making all the noise and movement, and they can't just replace the plastic part as of now as it is not offered separately. Hence them needing to replace the entire spring. GM and the dealers are still replacing the springs or cleaning and greasing, or just trying to skate around the bigger issue that there is a design problem with the plastic parts. The plastic isn't a good material choice, or is the wrong blend of plastic, or isn't thick enough etc. Their engineering team needs to take a deeper look and come up with a better design. What I experienced is once the customer has their truck springs replaced a few times, then the dealer and GM rep from Detroit begain with the story that they just perform that way and live with it or trade it in on a car or SUV that would be much more quiet. Trade it in at or below blue book value. So the customer looses $ no matter how you look at it, for an issue that GM is hiding. Meanwhile your vehicle warranty will be closer to running out and any future repair cost is on the customer.

 

What they don't understand or want to admit, is it is not an acceptable condition. It sounds like someone beating on the bed of the truck with a rubber mallet going down the road. This should never be acceptable on a relatively new truck. I've driven other trucks with over 150,000 miles that haven't sounded that bad before.

 

The plastic to rubber swap resolved my issue for now. I'll see if I can get more than 10,000 miles before the issue returns. The jury is still out until then if the problem is completely resolved. For now though however, the rubber has silenced the noise entirely. So far it rides better than a brand new set of replacement or factory springs with the plastic pads. My truck is stock, without aftermarket lift kits, tires, etc. and has always been serviced at a certified GM Chevrolet dealership. It is pampered and well kept vehicle that is garaged at night. No accidents, damages, etc. and has never been off-road.

 

GM rep from Detroit really rubbed me the wrong way, and the dealer I bought the truck from and had all repairs performed at since purchase went out of their way to cut all ties after the second time I was in about the rear suspension issues. They didn't seem to care to much or even want to resolve the issue, but would rather spend their resources and Band-Aid repairs trying to convince me the problems were just normal for their trucks and live with it. The whole GM experience has opened my eyes as to what they can and will do to cover something up, or eliminate their end of the warranty responsibilities once they can't fix the problem permanently or to an acceptable expected level of repair.

Edited September 3, 2017 by Silverado2016

[TightLines612]

Was in my friends truck yesterday with 25k miles on it and his just started making this popping noise when placed in reverse. I'll be sending this to him pronto.

[scottl1346]

Photos of the plastic wear pads to rubber pad swap - completed. The plastic leaf wear pads/spacers are total junk on these vehicles, and can't be purchased separately. SO this is the fix unless you go out and buy an entire new leaf spring pack and assembly.

 

This pad swap is not a permanent lifetime of the vehicle fix, however I would be betting that it outlasts the factory plastic pads. The dealer mechanic has seen this type of replacement last 50,000 miles or more.

 

I've also updated to 5100 series leveling Bilsteins, from the stock factory GM Ranchos. The rear Ranchos had failed (lost all rebound) at 30,000 highway miles or prior to this. Ranchos made for GM are complete junk as well.

 

As of now, with 500 miles on the rubber pad swap - there are NO noises remaining from the rear of the vehicle. The Bilsteins are much better for road handling. The rubber pads between the springs silenced the noises from the rear of the vehicle and enhanced the on road handling and performance. Eliminated most of the old large boat type body roll in the suspension.

 

It's pathetic GM's engineering dept, R&D and or field test team couldn't come up with a solution. I feel like they want their vehicles to fail after a short time and then try to convince us to just trade it in for pennies on the dollar and buy new. Why would any customer want their product again if it only lasts 25,000 miles?

please post a link to the new rubber pads you used

[Silverado2016]

please post a link to the new rubber pads you used

 

I don't have a link as the dealer did the swap. The rubber pads are the factory GM leaf spring pads for the same spring. They are circular in shape, with a molded grommet style nub that holds it in place on the spring. Your local GM dealer should be able to pull the part number for you based on your vehicle's Vin#. The pad is visible in pictures on the earlier posts regarding this topic.

[SilverLTZ71]

Since GM is not wanting to replace springs any more. I had the dealership grease the bushing, shackles, and pads. This fixed it for a couple of days and its back still popping whenever I go over uneven surface at slow speeds. It can also be heard by simply putting any amount of weight on truck; stepping on the bumper, opening any of the doors, placing your arms on the sides of the truck. Needless to say I am very annoyed that GM hasn't fixed this yet.

[Silverado2016]

On ‎9‎/‎2‎/‎2017 at 8:36 AM, Silverado2016 said:

Photos of the plastic wear pads to rubber pad swap - completed. The plastic leaf wear pads/spacers are total junk on these vehicles, and can't be purchased separately. SO this is the fix unless you go out and buy an entire new leaf spring pack and assembly.

 

This pad swap is not a permanent lifetime of the vehicle fix, however I would be betting that it outlasts the factory plastic pads. The dealer mechanic has seen this type of replacement last 50,000 miles or more.

 

I've also updated to 5100 series leveling Bilsteins, from the stock factory GM Ranchos. The rear Ranchos had failed (lost all rebound) at 30,000 highway miles or prior to this. Ranchos made for GM are complete junk as well.

 

As of now, with 500 miles on the rubber pad swap - there are NO noises remaining from the rear of the vehicle. The Bilsteins are much better for road handling. The rubber pads between the springs silenced the noises from the rear of the vehicle and enhanced the on road handling and performance. Eliminated most of the old large boat type body roll in the suspension.

 

It's pathetic GM's engineering dept, R&D and or field test team couldn't come up with a solution. I feel like they want their vehicles to fail after a short time and then try to convince us to just trade it in for pennies on the dollar and buy new. Why would any customer want their product again if it only lasts 25,000 miles?

Update

12-26-2016

 

Well after driving another 12,000+/- miles since September, the rubber leaf spring end pads/plugs that the other GM dealer mechanic suggested as a fix seems to have eliminated the rear leaf spring noises that my truck had.  Will see if I am saying this again after another 30,000 miles or approx. 70,000 miles on the odometer.  Hopefully so. 

 

Again this was not a listed official GM TSB that any of the GM dealers I visited could find in any computer system.  It was a suggested fix, with taking a gamble on what a few experienced mechanics and coincidentally truck owners suggested via field tested results on previous models. 

 

Not sure why GM would eliminate rubber suspension components and go to a plastic pad in lieu of rubber parts on suspension.  Plastic has give and can outlast rubber in some instances, but just doesn't have the right physical properties to be used as a suspension component in this particular case and use.  The design flaw and or executive decisions ultimately compromised the performance and quietness of the earlier model leaf springs.

 

It would also be interesting to see what the new 2019 model has, if GM addressed any of the issues we are all having or did they just kick the can down the road, and or add to the list of design and performance problems.

 

Would be great if GM gave a damn about their reputation of their trucks and issued a recall. The clunky and noisy drivetrain and suspension is less than acceptable in the late model GM Silverado and GMC Sierra's.

 

Regards.

 

 

 

[mracer]

On 9/2/2017 at 8:36 AM, Silverado2016 said:

Photos of the plastic wear pads to rubber pad swap - completed. The plastic leaf wear pads/spacers are total junk on these vehicles, and can't be purchased separately. SO this is the fix unless you go out and buy an entire new leaf spring pack and assembly.

 

This pad swap is not a permanent lifetime of the vehicle fix, however I would be betting that it outlasts the factory plastic pads. The dealer mechanic has seen this type of replacement last 50,000 miles or more.

 

I've also updated to 5100 series leveling Bilsteins, from the stock factory GM Ranchos. The rear Ranchos had failed (lost all rebound) at 30,000 highway miles or prior to this. Ranchos made for GM are complete junk as well.

 

As of now, with 500 miles on the rubber pad swap - there are NO noises remaining from the rear of the vehicle. The Bilsteins are much better for road handling. The rubber pads between the springs silenced the noises from the rear of the vehicle and enhanced the on road handling and performance. Eliminated most of the old large boat type body roll in the suspension.

 

It's pathetic GM's engineering dept, R&D and or field test team couldn't come up with a solution. I feel like they want their vehicles to fail after a short time and then try to convince us to just trade it in for pennies on the dollar and buy new. Why would any customer want their product again if it only lasts 25,000 miles?

How hard was it to do this swap?  Did you happen to have the part numbers?