06-03-09-004F

File in Section:
Service Bulletin
03 - Suspension
Bulletin No.:
06-03-09-004F
Date:
October, 2014
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Squeak Noise from Rear of Vehicle (Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs)
Models:
1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado (Classic)
2007-2012 Chevrolet Colorado
2007-2015 Chevrolet Silverado
1999-2007 GMC Sierra (Classic)
2007-2012 GMC Canyon
2007-2015 GMC Sierra
2007-2010 HUMMER H3, H3T
This bulletin has been revised to add the 2014-2015 Model Years. Please discard Corporate
Bulletin Number 06-03-09-004E (Section 03 – Suspension).
Condition
Some customers may comment about a squeak noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. During normal operation,
certain vehicles may exhibit a squeaking noise that may be traced to the rear leaf springs. While this noise is an
operating characteristic of leaf springs, the frequency and severity of this noise will be affected by the roads that the
vehicle is driven on.
Cause
This condition may be due to debris getting between the leaf springs.
Correction
To correct this condition, lubricate the rear leaf springs using the following procedure.
Important: It has been found that the application of grease to the rear leaf springs does a better job of preventing
the noise from reoccurring than replacement of the spring.
1. Raise the vehicle on a frame lift-type hoist.
2. Inspect the springs for damage. If none is found, proceed to the next step.
3. Pressure wash the rear leaf springs to remove as much dirt and grit as possible.
4. Dry the springs with compressed air.
1826776
Note: Ensure any tool used to gently pry the tip inserts or spring leaves is protected to prevent damage to the
spring leaves.
5. Apply a liberal amount of grease, P/N 12345996 (in Canada, use P/N 10953501), both underneath and on top of
the front and rear tip inserts for the #2 and #3 leaves, as indicated below. A screwdriver can be used to gently
pry up the tip insert; however, a rag around the screwdriver must be used to prevent damage to the spring. Use
a flat-bladed tool, such as a gasket scraper to properly distribute the grease.
6. Lower the vehicle to the ground and test drive to verify the repair.
Please inform the customer that this will offer relief, but is not a lifetime repair. Periodic cleanings and grease
re-application may be necessary throughout the life of the vehicle.
For 1500 Series (½ ton) models only: On vehicles built prior to October 2004, if the above procedure does not
correct this noise, it could be caused by an incorrectly dimensioned splay clip (the band holding the ends of the leafs
together) that interferes with the leaf springs. A 5 mm (0.197 in) wider splay clip was introduced in early 2005 model
year to provide additional clearance. To correct this concern, replace the rear leaf spring assembly. There was no
change to the part number.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
Qty
12345996
(in Canada,
use 10953501)
Lubricant
1
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor
Operation
8080008*
Description
Labor
Time
Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs-LD
0.5 hr
Lubricate Rear Leaf
Springs-HD
0.9 hr
*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only. It will
not be published in the Labor Time Guide.