Bulletin No.: 21-NA-138

Service Bulletin

Date: February, 2025

TECHNICAL
Subject:
Attention:

Brand:

Chevrolet

GMC

Squeak, Grind or Clunking Noise from Rear Leaf Springs
This bulletin applies to Heavy Duty vehicles only. Refer to Bulletin 19NA-129 for Light Duty vehicles.
Model:

Model Year:
from

to

Silverado HD

2015

2018

Silverado 2500HD/
3500HD

2019

2025

Sierra HD

2015

2018

Sierra 2500HD/
3500HD

2019

2025

VIN:
from

to

—

—

Engine:

Transmission:

—

—

Involved Region or Country

North America, Middle East, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand

Condition

Some customers may comment that a squeak, grind, or clunking noise can be heard from
the rear leaf springs.

Cause

This condition may be caused by the spring insert interacting with the leaf spring.
Note: Some noise is characteristic with leaf spring suspensions when going over bumps.
Important: Do not add any lubricant to the inserts or springs. Lubricant can attract dirt
and debris which can lead to noise and premature wear. Some lubricants can also chemically attack the insert material.

Correction

5341853

A new insert with a graining pattern will help reduce this noise.
Replace the rear spring inserts utilizing a plastic trim tool or plastic wedge in between the
leaf springs.

Copyright 2025 General Motors. All Rights Reserved.

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February, 2025

Bulletin No.: 21-NA-138

Important: After new spring tip inserts are installed per this bulletin, new inserts have a
break-in period of up to 1610 km (1000 miles), where some noise can be expected.

Important: Service agents must comply with all International, Federal, State, Provincial, and/or Local laws
applicable to the activities it performs under this bulletin, including but not limited to handling, deploying,
preparing, classifying, packaging, marking, labeling, and shipping dangerous goods. In the event of a
conflict between the procedures set forth in this bulletin and the laws that apply to your dealership, you
must follow those applicable laws.

Service Procedure
1. Raise and secure the vehicle.
2. utilizing a jack, support the rear axle.

5862786

3. Remove the bolt (1) the secures the clip (4) to the spring alignment bracket (3) for both spring assemblies.
4. Slowly lower the jack to relieve the spring of tension.

Bulletin No.: 21-NA-138

February, 2025

Page 3

5862787

Note: DO NOT chip the painted coating on the springs when performing the repair. place a rag (2) in the area were
contact with the spring may occur.
5. Utilizing a plastic trim tool, plastic wedge (3) or equivalent, separate the rear springs.

5863011

6. Using a rag and degreaser, clean any dirt or grease from between the leaf springs at the insert location.
7. Replace all the inserts for the left and right-side springs.
8. Using care, raise the jack.
9. Install the clip and bolt back onto the alignment bracket.

Tighten
Torque the fastener to D22.3 +/- 2.0 NM.
10. Lower and remove the jack.
11. Lower the vehicle.

Page 4

February, 2025

Bulletin No.: 21-NA-138

Parts Information
Causal
Part

Description

X
X

INSERT, RR SPR
LEAF (KIT)

Part
Number

Qty

87838974
(SRW)

1

87838975
(DRW)

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

8080628*

Rear Leaf Spring Insert
Replacement

1.0 hr

*This is a unique Labor Operation for bulletin use only.
Version

6

Modified

Released August 05, 2021
Revised on August 26, 2021 - Add Attention statement.
Revised October 20, 2022 - Added 2022 to Model Year and Update Part Numbers in
Parts Information section.
Revised January 24, 2023 - Added SRW and DRW to Parts Information section.
Revised July 08, 2024 - Added 2024 to 2025 Model Years.
Revised February 13, 2025 - Added Important Statement to Correction section.

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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