Suspension - Rear Suspension Squeaking Noises
T-SB-0274-09August 13, 2009
Rear Suspension Squeak Noise
Service Category
Suspension
Section
Rear Suspension
Market
USA
Applicability
TSB SUPERSESSION NOTICE
The information contained in this TSB supersedes TSB No. T-SU012-07.
^ Applicability has been updated to include 2008-2009 model year(s) Tacoma vehicles.
^ TSB has been updated with a new leaf spring silencer pad design.
^ Discontinue the use of any type of grease between the silencer pad and spring. A self lubricating surface is now being used.
TSB No. T-SU012-07 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding.
Introduction
Some 2005 - 2009 Tacoma vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise coming from the rear suspension when traveling over bumps or rough road surfaces. The squeak type noise maybe caused by the rear leaf spring pads. A newly designed leaf spring silencer has been made available for this condition.
Production Change Information
This TSB applies to all Regular cab: 4x4/Prerunner, Tacomas produced from '05 - '09 model year and all Access/Double cab: 4x4/Prerunner, Tacomas produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown.
Parts Information
In cases where the vehicle is equipped with 4 leaf springs order 2 kits as the additional leaf will require 2 extra silencer pads per side.
Warranty Information
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
^ This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.
^ Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.
Silencer Pad Procedure
NOTE
Perform the following procedures on both the RH and LH sides of the vehicle.
Rear Silencer Pad Replacement
1. Place the vehicle on a lift.
2. Using a pry bar separate the two main leafs allowing access to the spring silencer pad installed on the lower leaf of the spring pack.
CAUTION
Be careful NOT to scratch the spring surface with the pry bar, pick, punch, screwdriver or other tools.
3. Use a pry bar as a wedge to hold the leaf springs apart.
4. Use a pick punch or screwdriver to push upward on the spring silencer pad from the underside of the spring pack through the access hole.
5. Push the spring silencer pad up high enough to remove it from the spring assembly. Applying light pressure to the back of the silencer pad will be enough to "pop" the pad out of position.
6. Using brake clean or equivalent, completely remove all grease and dirt between the leaf springs.
NOTE
Remove all grease and grease residue as the new silencer pad employs a self lubricating surface. DO NOT APPLY GREASE TO THE PAD AND SPRING SURFACE.
7. Index the new spring pad so that the locating tabs are facing away from the center of the leaf spring. Using a screwdriver or a pick center the silencer pad in the hole in the leaf spring.
8. Install the spring silencer pad in the leaf spring pack carefully. It might be necessary to use another pry bar to "seat" the silencer pad into the mounting hole on the leaf spring assembly
Front Silencer Pad
1. Using a pry bar, separate the main two leafs, allowing access to the spring silencer pad installed on the lower leaf of the spring pack.
CAUTION
Be careful NOT to scratch the spring surface with the pry bar, pick, punch, screwdriver or other tools.
2. Use a pry bar as a wedge to hold the leaf spring apart when removing the spring silencer pad.
3. Use a pick, punch, or screwdriver to push upward on the spring silencer pad from the underside of the spring pack through the access hole.
4. Push the spring silencer pad up high enough to be able to remove it from the spring assembly. Applying light pressure to the back of the silencer pad will be enough to "pop" the pad out of position.
5. Using brake clean or equivalent completely remove all grease and dirt between the leaf springs.
NOTE
Remove all grease and grease residue as the new silencer pad employs a self lubricating surface. DO NOT APPLY GREASE TO THE PAD AND SPRING SURFACE.
6. Index the new spring pad so that the locating tabs are facing away from the center of the leaf spring. Using a screwdriver or a pick center the silencer pad in the hole in the leaf spring.
7. Install the spring silencer pad in the leaf spring pack carefully. It might be necessary to use another pry bar to "seat" the silencer pad into the mounting hole on the leaf spring assembly.
8. Test drive vehicle to verify repair.