Leaf spring squeak?

[MattHarrell]

I just got new 31" tires a few weeks ago going up from the stock (29"?) tires. There's only minimal rubbing under full compression on the front wheels. Anyway, when I go over washboard-like roads (or a series of bumps like that) then there's a high pitch squeak that seems to be coming from the passenger's rear. The wife stuck her head out the window and she said it also seemed to be coming from the rear. It's definitely under the truck. I can't make it do this noise in my carport by bouncing on any of the four corners so I don't think it's the shocks. I've also tried wiggling the exhaust but it doesn't seem to make any noise. I've pulled the spare off and it still makes the noise without it. I noticed a new, clean portion of the leaf springs (1/8" or less) that had been exposed resently - probably by the higher tires. Is it possible the leafs are making the noise due to the new position they are sitting it? If so is there any way to verify that's what it is? I would like to get this resolved before pulling on AAL's and coils to get a little height back

 

[hvac man]

Matt you haven't put the springs on yet? Wow I would have had them on the day I got them...lol Sorry I can't help with the noise, good luck.

BTW:I was wondering if you put that stuff on yet.

 

[MattHarrell]

Nope, not yet. I've had relatives out the wazoo and wanted to get this noise straightened out first. I would hate for there to be a problem with the setup and then put a little more stress on it by lifting it some.

If I don't hear any responses then I'll keep an eye on it and wait to see if the noise goes away soon. If it's just a minor change caused by a new angle in the suspension then I would expect it to go away after a little break in

 

[MattHarrell]

Ok, so since nobody has responded then can any tell me if it's a bad idea to lubricate the ends of the leaf springs? I was thinking if I could spray something like silicone lubrication on there then if the squeek stops at least I know what it was.

 

[jasonb]

my leafs squeek bad all the time. i think its the bushings on mine though, particularly the bushing in the front end of the pack. they don't squeek in the rain, but start back after they dry out. my truck sounds ghetto.

 

[MattHarrell]

How were you able to tell it's the leafs? I seem to have a hard time getting it to do it at really slow speeds and I can't imagine someone standing next to the truck when I drive by at 15 mph might be able to definitely tell what it was.

Hmm, it's supposed to rain again in a couple of days - I'll have to see if it goes away then. I wasn't even paying attention the last few weeks in the rain

 

[jasonb]

because mine is so bad that it does it from any little motion like shutting the door. it squeeks when i shake the truck by pushing on it. i can sit down by the leafs and push up on the truck.. and the squeek is coming from my bushings. that may not be your problem though.

 

[MattHarrell]

Mine doesn't seem that bad. I have bounced on the corners and even gotten under the truck and pushed it up and down without hearing the noise. It really seems to be occurring under really hard bounces (pointy speed bumps if I hit them fast, very bad roads).

I'll still check it out, though