Rear End Squeak?

gman4dx266 · May 10, 2006

I have a 2006 RCSB Silverado, and about a month ago i noticed an annoying squeak inside when i go around corners, take off, stop, or hit any kind of bump in the road. I've eliminated this down to the rear end, by jumping on the bumper and leaning on the side of the bed. I have a hunch its the right side, although I'm not 100% sure. I went through a sandy stream back in march, so the possibility of getting crap in the springs crossed my mind, but i highly doubt that could make it that loud to be heard inside. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks for the help!

Valsport · May 10, 2006

check your spring pack. the overload spring (closest to the axle) should have discs on both ends. These are are isolators to keep the overload spings from slapping the leafs above them. Make sure none of these isolator discs are missing. You might also try spraying some silicone lubricant on the spring bushings (where the leaf attaches to the frame).

gman4dx266 · May 10, 2006

Thats a nice 71/G80, Valsport...I looked for the isolator disc's, they're all there. I figured maybe i could jack up the truck and let the rear end hang and blow some air thru the springs to clear anything, then grease up the places where anything looks suspicious. So, these bushings: the one in the shackle you're talking about? Thanks a ton man!

Valsport · May 10, 2006

yep exactly. Also check that all of the plastic lug nut covers are secure. Sometimes some of those plastic caps (screwed onto each individual lug nut) will work loose and rattle a little bit.

gman4dx266 · May 10, 2006

To my surprise, i walked out this morning and jumped my bumper, and no squeak...so i shook the truck silly from the sides and back and nothing...so i move it back and forth(forward and backwards) in the driveway about 10 times and about the 8th time it started. So, apparently someting had to get going or somehting...I dont know. I havent tried the grease yet. I looked at the bushings and shackles and everything, and they look fairly ok to me. But something is starting to tell me its not in the suspension as i thought. It sounds like its between the bed and the back of the cab, or betweent the carpeting on the back of the cab behind the seat, but i cant tell. Its under warranty, so i may just take it to the dealer and have them sort it out...That or turn up the radio

gman4dx266 · May 11, 2006

Ok, i went out today, and stripped the whole back of the cab. I took off those speaker/door post covers, door sill pieces, pulled the plastic flooring back, took the carpeting off the cab wall, etc...I even took the jack bracket and jack tools things out. its STILL there!! I think its in between the welded pieces of the back of the cab. I made sure the pressure vent was seated, since it has a rubber seal around it, and that could sqeak. This is really driving me frickin insane!!

gman4dx266 · May 12, 2006

Well, im going to wait to see if it gets worse over time, if it does, ill get it fixed at the dealer and will post back. As for now, all i can say is, that its somewhere in the metal in the back of the cab.

gmc1996 · September 25, 2006

You may want to check your frame mounts. These tend to erode over time and will make noise when they flex. You can upgrade to poly mounts but it's a lot of trouble.

Gage · September 25, 2006

I have the same problem on my 2005 ECSB. The sound is just annoying. I sprayed some Tri-Flow on the springs and it made the noise go away for a while. But now its back. It doesn't affect the ride quality of the truck, but its just annoying when your going slow over speed bumps...., But I'd rather be in a noisy GMT800 platform truck , than a new 2007 GMT900 Platform truck. They are just plain FUGLY....GM, what were they thinking....?????

gman4dx266 · September 25, 2006

I was saying the same thing about the new trucks...but after getting some inside news, just know that they'll be a knockout :-p

As for my squeak, mine isnt exactly in the springs. I now hear it in both back corners of the cab. Sounds like a squeaky wooden staircase. I hear it when coming to a stop via "generous" braking, turning, and braking while backing up. So, i too, am now leaning against cab mounts. Are those the little 2 piece rubber 'bubble' lookin things with that big lag bolt through them? I have 4 of them. I took the bolts out of them but i have no clue how to get the top part out. Any help?