2016 Crewcab 4x4 50k miles - Headed back to the dealer tomorrow for warranty leaf spring replacement. Wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue. Truck started making light clunking noises coming from the rear, most noticeable at lower speeds and when turning (obvious when turning left-right at low speeds). Sounded to me like the differential was binding (mines an E-locker). Dealer diagnosed it as the leaf springs, and said the differential was O.K. Seems like a pretty weird occurrence. Haven't used the truck for towing or hauling much. Do have about 1k miles offroad clocked.

 

Leaf springs rarely need replacement, especially if you aren't loading heavy on the regular. It's one of the oldest and least complex forms of suspension. Something to think about.

 

There have been lots of complaints about noisy rear springs. Mine are noisy, but 1) I added a leaf to each side, and 2) it's a truck so I don't let it bother me too much.

#2 doesn't sit well with some, and that's fine. I'm the sort of owner that goes overboard on maintenance and care (other than washing, I suppose), and the springs clunking doesn't really get to me because I know it's not something that's going to cause problems down the line.

 

My leaf springs made terrible clunks/pops at low speeds. I was used to noisy leaf springs as a came from a toyota tacoma and the springs squeaked for 272K miles, but this was different. The springs would feel like they were almost binding and popping to release the tension, what bothered me most is that I could feel it in the cab when it happened. I finally got my dealer to acknowledge that it was an issue and had the springs and hangers replaced at 23K miles. I am now at 39K miles and they have not made another sound.

 

UPDATE 08/22/20 - Picked up the truck at the dealer yesterday with the new leaf springs installed (under warranty). The noises have been eliminated :-)

The saying that come to my mind about this (noisy/binding leaf springs at 50k miles) is: "They can put a man on the moon, but ....,"

As an aside, when I called for an update on the "repair", the service writer told me they were re-installing the drive shaft, so it should be done soon. I worked as a mechanic for a few years after completing a four year education in auto-technology back in the 70's. I can't for the life of me imagine why the driveshaft would need to be removed, unless the shop doesn't have tall floor jacks to support the weight of the unloaded/axle after the truck is up on the lift. Any ideas?