File in Section:
Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

03 - Suspension
06-03-09-004H
July, 2016

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Squeak Noise from Rear of Vehicle (Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs)

Models:

1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado (Classic)
2007-2012 Chevrolet Colorado
2007-2016 Chevrolet Silverado
2015-2016 Chevrolet Colorado
1999-2007 GMC Sierra (Classic)
2007-2012 GMC Canyon
2007-2016 GMC Sierra
2015-2016 GMC Canyon
2007-2010 HUMMER H3, H3T

Attention: This Bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Export from North
America vehicles.
This Bulletin has been revised to add the 2016 Model Year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin
Number 06-03-09-004G.

Condition

Correction

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.

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.

Cause
This condition may be due to debris getting between
the leaf springs.

Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

July, 2016

Bulletin No.: 06-03-09-004H

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

Description

Labor
Time

Lubricate Rear Leaf Springs-LD

0.5 hr

Lubricate Rear Leaf
Springs-HD

0.9 hr

8080008*

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only. It will
not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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