Squeaky Springs
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4
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From: South
Squeaky Springs
I have a great looking '99 F150 4X4 Offroad that is embarrasing to pull into a parking lot. It Squeaks constantly.
I have isolated the problem to the rear leaf springs. If I run through enough puddles, spray it with silicone or WD40 it is OK for a day or so.
Anyone have an idea of what the permanent fix is?
I have isolated the problem to the rear leaf springs. If I run through enough puddles, spray it with silicone or WD40 it is OK for a day or so.
Anyone have an idea of what the permanent fix is?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 5
From: NE PA
Squeaky Springs
Maybe you can install a grease fitting by drilling a small hole cutting threads in it. I have done this on some other applications with success. Just make sure the fitting doesn't hit anything that may move.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 84
From: Wake Forest, NC
Squeaky Springs
Ford uses a rubber bushing between the leaf springs with a plastic retainer in the middle. The rubber is a little bit on the weak side to be an insulator in a leaf spring. You can get replacement isolators from a spring place for very cheap. They go at the very end of the spring and keep the ends from digging in.
To replace them you will most likely have to undo the spring clamp. You can use a screwdriver or pry bar and a pair of channel locks to undo the clamp, by bending out the lock tab and prying once side off of the other.
I used a large cold chisel and drove it in between the spring leaves. Then I plucked the remnants of the old isolator out and put the new one in. It probably won't push down all the way, but when the spring squeezes it it should. If it doesn't whack it from the underside with a hammer until its flush. Do this with all the ones that are broken. Then reinstall the spring clamp. I used a large pair of channel locks and a hammer to hook the clamp back together.
Chris
To replace them you will most likely have to undo the spring clamp. You can use a screwdriver or pry bar and a pair of channel locks to undo the clamp, by bending out the lock tab and prying once side off of the other.
I used a large cold chisel and drove it in between the spring leaves. Then I plucked the remnants of the old isolator out and put the new one in. It probably won't push down all the way, but when the spring squeezes it it should. If it doesn't whack it from the underside with a hammer until its flush. Do this with all the ones that are broken. Then reinstall the spring clamp. I used a large pair of channel locks and a hammer to hook the clamp back together.
Chris
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 3
From: South Kitsap County, WA
Squeaky Springs
This may sound strange, but when I tweeked my torsion arms to level my truck, the squeak I was hearing from speed bumps went away. Just some food for thought.
-Kerry
-Kerry
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: South
Squeaky Springs
Thanks. Talked to Ford Parts today, looking for replacement isolators. They tell me there is a "kit" to fix this problem and it is normally a stock item. I have it on order for $19.95. I should have it on Monday and I will post the results.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
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From: Wake Forest, NC
Squeaky Springs
Let us know how the new pieces are constructed. I worry about them being the same rubber insulators. I really liked the new insulators I got, they were a harder plastic that shouldn't rip as easy.
Chris
Chris
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From: South
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It was really an easy deal. The "kit" the dealer had turned out to be the isolator kit for the F250. the isolators are plastic or nylon, I can't tell. They went in easy and the problem is solved. The kit also contains bushing that go around the spring mounts that are not needed.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
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From: Northeast PA
Squeaky Springs
Hello! I have a similar squeak problem, but need the front insulator on the rear leaf spring. I have a 98 F150 and the insulator has a bolt going through it. I did some searches on the internet and am having trouble locating what I need. Anyone have any advice?
Thanks
Rick
Thanks
Rick
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Squeaky Springs
Hi ford4x4er and welcome to FTE 
You're sure it's a bolt that goes through the insulator?
I'm thinking that maybe your truck had the leaf spring clamp recall done a few years ago and it's actually a pin that goes into the insulator from the clamp that goes around the spring pack.
I'm not sure if you can get any of those pieces seperatley but your dealer may be able to find the recall from a few years ago and get the part number of the kit so you can order that.
I checked in my list of recalls but can't find that particular one.
Wow those are run-on sentences I just typed.
lol
You're sure it's a bolt that goes through the insulator?
I'm thinking that maybe your truck had the leaf spring clamp recall done a few years ago and it's actually a pin that goes into the insulator from the clamp that goes around the spring pack.
I'm not sure if you can get any of those pieces seperatley but your dealer may be able to find the recall from a few years ago and get the part number of the kit so you can order that.
I checked in my list of recalls but can't find that particular one.
Wow those are run-on sentences I just typed.
lol
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10
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From: New York
Squeaky Springs
Hey Dave.There ya are again! hey can ya give me anymore info on that rear laf clamp ya talkin bout?? I have been taking off the lil clamps one at a time for three weeks now as they keep losenin up n gettin tween the lower leaf and clankin away like a chevy on a dirt road! Funny seems my truck, although I love it, has all the lil problems I find here.....the door crack the springs the interior light the slow windows....Geeze I'd be lost without this place! Guessin I oughtta get on that intake gasket b4 it's a shortblock eh??
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
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From: Northeast PA
Squeaky Springs
Uh oh, there are interior light problems? I have been having a problem with the interior light not always wanting to go on........what are the door crack problems and the slow windows? Guess I better do some more reading......
About my clamp problem......I took it apart and put a piece of rubber between the clamp and spring and cranked it nice and tight. So far so good.
Rick
About my clamp problem......I took it apart and put a piece of rubber between the clamp and spring and cranked it nice and tight. So far so good.
Rick
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Squeaky Springs
TBONE do the clamps have pins in them that fit into holes in the springs? If they do they shouldnt be moving. Otherwise you might want to go to a spring shop and see what kind of clamps they have that would be better.
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10
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From: New York
Squeaky Springs
Nahhhhhh No pins here....just a simple piece of metal wrapped around the leafs...........hence the problem of them sliding down into the spring and gettin mashed......I will add a leaf and have them fitted with pin type clamps.....TYVM! Eddie