Rear Suspension squeaks

[klgray]

Hi Everyone

My vette squeaks when going over a bump slowly or when you push down on the rear suspension. I'm new here, and think it is probably related to tired, old bushings. Is there a way to lubricate these bushings, or is it a replacement item?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Peer81]

Depending on what bushing you have. If you have the original it's best to replace them. If you already have poly bushings you could lubricate them.
Ow and yes I would look at the bushings to

Groeten Peter

 

[Barry08]

It may also be your rear spring.I had the same problem a few years ago.


Barry

 

[jj_long81]

some pics of the spring plate, trailing arm pockets and cam rod ends would help to betermin the condition of the bushings. anyway pic are good we like to look at other peoples stuff. also, its a temp solution but, a little tire shine or simillar product will quiet them down and clean up easily. i use it when installing poly bushings. they pop right into position and clean up with a little water. shines nice too. lets see some pics.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Squeaks in the C2/3 rear suspension can be:

1) leaf spring. If the plastic leaf separators are worn or non-existent, the leaf spring may squeak
2) leaf spring bolt cushions may squeak when worn.
3) shock mounts are rubber. When they get worn, they can squeak
4) stabilizer bar links and mounts, when worn may squeak
5) trailing arm end bushings may squeak when worn.
6) lateral link (strut rod) bushings can squeak when worn.

Lastly, if any of the OE bushings have been replaced by urethane, especially the lower-cost, non-graphite-impregnated variety, squeaks may occur.

 

[klgray]

Thanks

Hi guys

Thanks for the info - I'll try to take some pics tonight after work.

It might be the leaf spring separators - are they thin sheets? Can you get new ones?

Also, how hard is it for a novice to replace the leaf and/or the bushings/shocks? Do you have to lift the car to relax the spring/etc?

Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[Peer81]

Hi guys

Thanks for the info - I'll try to take some pics tonight after work.

It might be the leaf spring separators - are they thin sheets? Can you get new ones?

Also, how hard is it for a novice to replace the leaf and/or the bushings/shocks? Do you have to lift the car to relax the spring/etc?

Thanks for all the help so far.

If you have a manual car you should have a steel spring with the spring separators (if it hasn't been changed). If you have a automatic trans, you have a composit spring without the seperators.

To change the bushings from the rear suspension it's best to lift the car to relax the rear suspension. Look out with the spring, the stress on it is far greater then you think so caution when you try to "free" the spring!!

Groeten Peter

 

[pbcanney]

Squeaks in the C2/3 rear suspension can be:

1) leaf spring. If the plastic leaf separators are worn or non-existent, the leaf spring may squeak
2) leaf spring bolt cushions may squeak when worn.
3) shock mounts are rubber. When they get worn, they can squeak
4) stabilizer bar links and mounts, when worn may squeak
5) trailing arm end bushings may squeak when worn.
6) lateral link (strut rod) bushings can squeak when worn.

Lastly, if any of the OE bushings have been replaced by urethane, especially the lower-cost, non-graphite-impregnated variety, squeaks may occur.

growing old sux

 

[klgray]

Got underneath / Pics

Hi Guys

I got underneath last night, and I'm pretty sure its the leaf spring that is the squeaker. I've attached a few pictures as requested.

Any way to lubricate the leaf spring? It appears that the separator pieces are still in there, small metal sheets. It appears I have the steel leaf spring by the way.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Boy from the looks of that suspension, you've got a lot of really old parts.

The only way to stop squeaks which are actually coming from the leaf spring is to remove it and have a spring shop "rebuild" it. Typically spring shops can replace the plastic sheets which are between the leaves.

That said, I'm going to bet that the squeaks are coming from other of the suspension's rubber parts. Check the list of stuff I posted earlier.

If I'm wrong and the noise is coming from the leaf I'd check with a spring supplier on the cost of "rebuilding" vs "replacement" and, if you want a new spring, I'd go with the composite leaf springs made by Vette Brakes and Products.