Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

18-NA-183
August, 2019

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Squeak and/or Clunking Noise from Rear of Vehicle

Brand:

Model:

Chevrolet

GMC

Model Year:

VIN:

from

to

Silverado
1500

2014

2018

Silverado LD

2019

2019

Sierra 1500

2014

2018

Sierra
Limited

2019

2019

from

Engine:

Transmission:

All

All

to

Involved Region or Country

North America and N.A.Export Markets

Condition 1

Some customers may comment about a squeaking and/or clunking noise coming from
the rear of vehicle.

Condition 2

Some customers may comment about a squeaking noise coming from the rear of vehicle.

Cause 1

This condition may be caused by debris getting between the leaf springs and/or loose
U-Bolts.

Cause 2

This condition may be caused by a faulty spring shackle.

Correction 1

To correct this condition, re-torque the U-bolts of the leaf spring assembly, and install new
rear leaf spring inserts, following the procedure below.

Correction 2

To correct this condition, replace the rear shackle following the procedure below.

Service Procedure
Prior to performing this bulletin, follow the procedure for
Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension in SI to determine
the source of the noise. Jounce the rear of the vehicle
utilizing J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent, to aid in
locating the source of the noise.
If necessary, road test the vehicle.
1. Raise the vehicle on a frame lift-type hoist. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle, in SI.
2. Inspect the rear leaf springs and shackles for
damage.
• If damage has been found, refer to Rear Spring
Shackle Replacement or Leaf Spring
Replacement (1500), in SI.
• If damage has not been found, proceed to the
next step.

Copyright 2019 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

August, 2019

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-183

3. Support the rear axle independently to relieve the
tension on the leaf springs.

5341853

5084560

• If squeak noise is coming from the rear Spring
Shackle (1) lower bolt area (3), jump ahead to
step #11.
• If the noise is coming from the leaf springs (2),
proceed to the next step.

7. Install new Rear Leaf Spring Inserts using the
following procedure:

5341854

5344028

4. Loosen the anchor plate U-bolts (1).
5. Re-torque the anchor plate U-bolts (1). Refer to
Fastener Specifications in SI.
6. Repeat steps # 2 – 5 for the opposite side leaf
spring.

Caution: Do NOT damage the finish on Leaf Springs.
7.1. On the forward side of the spring assembly,
insert a plastic trim tool or plastic wedge in
between the #1 and #2 leaf springs, to access
the old insert.

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-183

August, 2019

Page 3

5341855

7.2. Push up on insert until it hits the bottom of the
spring above it. Then use a suitable cutting
tool to cut the stem off from the insert.

5341857

5341856

7.3. Remove the top portion of the insert, and then
remove the bottom portion of the
remaining stem.

7.4. Using a rag and degreaser, clean any dirt or
grease from between the leaf springs at the
insert location.

Page 4

August, 2019

5341859

Caution: Do NOT damage the surface of the new
insert when trimming.
7.5. Cut the stem of the new insert with a hacksaw
or suitable cutting tool. Make sure to leave
6 mm (0.240 in) of the stem.

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-183

5341863

Note: On the rearward side of the leaf spring, DO NOT
trim/cut the new replacement insert.
8. On the rearward side of the spring assembly, insert
a plastic trim tool or plastic wedge in between the
#1 and #2 leaf springs to access the old insert.
8.1. Remove the old insert.

5341861

7.6. Apply a small amount of RTV sealer around
the remaining portion of the stem.
7.7. Install the new insert into the leaf spring.
Make sure the stem portion lines up with the
slot in the spring. Remove the plastic trim tool
or plastic wedge to close the spring and seat
the new insert.

5341857

8.2. Using a rag and degreaser, clean any dirt or
grease from between the leaf springs at the
insert location.

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-183

August, 2019

Page 5

5341862
3352112

8.3. Install the new full insert into the leaf spring.
Remove the plastic trim tool or plastic wedge
to close the spring and seat the new insert.
9. Repeat steps #7 and # 8 on the other side of the
vehicle.
10. Jump ahead to step # 12.

11. Replace Rear Spring shackle (3). Refer to Rear
Spring Shackle Replacement in SI.
12. Lower the vehicle to the ground and test drive to
verify the repair.

Parts Information
Causal
Part

N/A

Description

Part
Number

Qty

Rear Spring
Shackle

84444786

2

Leaf Spring Insert

84730971

4

RTV Sealer

88864346 (in
Canada,
88861418)

1

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under the Bumper-to-Bumper
coverage (Canada Base Warranty coverage), use the
following labor operation. Reference the Applicable
Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle History (IVH)
for coverage information.
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

8080488*

Rear Leaf Spring Insert Replacement and Re-Torque Bolts

1.0 hr

8042610

Rear Spring Shackle Replacement

Use the Published Labor
Operations Time

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.

Page 6

August, 2019

Bulletin No.: 18-NA-183

Version

3

Modified

Released June 04, 2018
Revised January 16, 2019 - Add 2019 K2’s to Model section.
Revised August 06, 2019 – Updated Procedure, Parts and Warranty information for
Spring Insert Replacement.

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.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY
TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATION