Lack of lubrication, rust and corrosion, dirt and debris, are the causes of squeaky leaf springs while the remedies include cleaning, lubricating, replacing broken parts and installing pads or inserts.
Leaf springs are a type of suspension system that’s made of stacked layers of metal. These springs absorb road shocks and help maintain the vehicle’s load balance. The leaf springs are commonly found in trucks, SUVs, and some off-road vehicles.
Causes of squeaky leaf springs.
Above we have mentioned that the causes of squeaky leaf springs are dirt and debris, lack of lubrication and rust or corrosion. Whenever you notice a squeaking noise coming from your vehicle, you should perform an investigation to come up with a cause and a solution of the squeaking.
(a). Age and general wear.
Over time, leaf springs lose their flexibility and become more prone to squeaking. As the metal weakens and develops slight distortions, gaps form between the leaves. This increases friction points and results in noise.
(b). Worn bushings.
Leaf springs are connected to the frame with rubber or polyurethane bushings. These bushings help absorb vibrations. These bushings wear out or become cracked over time, leading to increased metal contact and squeaking.
(c). Loose or misaligned components.
There are bolts, shackles, or U-bolts that secure the leaf springs in the proper place. Due to different reasons, these become loose or misaligned, causing parts to rub against each other and create squeaks. Misalignment of leaf springs happens due to general wear and tear or after driving on rough terrain.
(d). Rust and corrosion.
Over time, moisture leads to rust between the metal layers, causing friction which results in squeaking.
(e). Dirt and debris.
Accumulation of dirt, mud, or gravel can work its way between the leaves, leading to friction. This causes the leaf springs to start squeaking.
(f). Lack of lubrication.
Metal leaf springs require proper lubrication. When they dry out, the metal-on-metal contact creates squeaks. It causes the leaf springs to be prone to damage.
Remedies for squeaky leaf springs.
It is important to understand the remedies for squeaky leaf springs like cleaning, lubricating and installing inserts in order to correct the issue before it escalates and causes accidents.
(a). Clean the leaf springs.
Cleaning the suspension will remove dirt and debris with a power washer or brush to eliminate any particles causing friction.
(b). Lubricate the springs.
Lubricating the springs reduce the impact of metal-on-metal contact which causes friction and increased wear. Apply a suitable lubricant, like white lithium grease or a graphite-based lubricant, between the leaf layers.
(c). Install polyurethane pads or inserts.
These pads can be placed between the leaves to reduce metal-on-metal contact and minimize squeaking. This is not something that can be applicable to air suspension system.
(d). Check for damaged parts.
If a leaf spring or shackle is broken, consider replacing it, as damaged components can lead to further issues beyond just squeaking.