This procedure covers the removal and replacement of worn leaf spring bushings on the rear suspension of a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring front eye bushing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring rear shackle bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring shackle kit (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring U-bolt nuts (recommended) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and chock front wheels securely
2. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts, U-bolt nuts, and shackle bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with jack stands on both sides, ensuring adequate working clearance
5. Remove rear wheels completely
6. Place hydraulic jack or secondary floor jack under rear axle housing to support axle weight independently from leaf springs

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a hydraulic transmission jack or floor jack with a wood block under the rear axle differential housing. Raise just enough to take light pressure off the leaf springs while keeping the vehicle securely on frame stands. The axle must be supported throughout the entire procedure.
2. 2

   Remove leaf spring U-bolts
   Remove the four U-bolt nuts securing the leaf spring to the axle. Remove the U-bolts and the lower U-bolt plate. Note the orientation of components for reassembly. If U-bolts are corroded or threads damaged, replace with new hardware.
   ⚠U-bolt nuts may require significant force to break free. Use a breaker bar and ensure vehicle is stable before applying force.
3. 3

   Remove rear shackle bolts
   Locate the rear shackle connecting the leaf spring to the frame bracket. Remove the nut and bolt from both the upper frame mount and lower spring eye connection. Support the spring by hand as you remove the second bolt, as the spring will become free at the rear.
   ⚠The leaf spring will shift once the shackle is disconnected. Keep hands clear of pinch points between spring and frame.
4. 4

   Remove front spring eye bolt
   Remove the nut and bolt securing the front eye of the leaf spring to the front frame bracket. Lower the jack supporting the axle slightly if needed to relieve tension on the front bolt. Once removed, carefully lower the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect leaf spring assembly
   With the spring removed, thoroughly inspect all leaves for cracks, separation, or breakage. Check the spring eyes for elongation or cracking. Inspect shackle plates and hardware for wear. Wire brush all mounting surfaces on the frame brackets and axle pad.
6. 6

   Remove old bushings from spring eyes
   Using a bushing press tool or arbor press with appropriate sized drivers, press out the old rubber bushings from the front eye and rear eye of the leaf spring. The front eye contains one large bushing; the rear eye is part of the shackle assembly. If bushings are severely deteriorated, they may require cutting or burning out.
   ℹ️Some bushings have internal metal sleeves that must be removed separately after pressing out the rubber portion.
7. 7

   Remove shackle bushings
   If replacing shackle bushings, press out the old bushings from the shackle plates using the bushing press tool. Note the orientation of any offset bushings before removal.
8. 8

   Install new bushings in leaf spring eyes
   Clean the spring eye bores thoroughly. Apply a light coating of dish soap or bushing lubricant to the new bushings (do not use petroleum-based lubricants). Using the bushing press tool, carefully press new bushings into the front and rear spring eyes, ensuring they are fully seated and centered. Install any metal sleeves per manufacturer instructions.
   ⚠Press bushings in straight to avoid cocking or tearing the rubber. Stop immediately if binding occurs.
9. 9

   Install new shackle bushings
   Press new bushings into the shackle plates if removed, ensuring proper orientation. Verify bushings are fully seated and flush with shackle plate surfaces.
10. 10

    Reinstall leaf spring assembly
    Position the leaf spring assembly back into the vehicle. Insert the front eye bolt through the frame bracket and spring eye, install the nut finger-tight. Do not torque at this stage. Connect the rear shackle to the spring eye and frame bracket with bolts and nuts finger-tight.
11. 11

    Align and secure U-bolts
    Raise the axle with the jack to align the spring center bolt with the axle pad locating hole. Position the spring top plate if equipped. Install new or cleaned U-bolts through the axle pad and over the spring. Install the lower plate and nuts. Torque U-bolt nuts in a cross pattern to manufacturer specification (typically 110-150 Nm, consult service manual for exact specification).
12. 12

    Lower vehicle to loading height
    With U-bolts secured, remove jack stands and lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is at normal ride height with vehicle weight on the wheels. This is critical for proper bushing torque to prevent premature wear.
    ⚠️Torquing suspension bushings at incorrect ride height will cause binding and premature bushing failure. Suspension must be at normal loaded position.
13. 13

    Torque all spring mounting bolts
    With vehicle at ride height, torque the front spring eye bolt nut and both rear shackle bolt nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 120-150 Nm, consult service manual). Torque in the sequence: front eye bolt, lower shackle bolt, upper shackle bolt.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and final torque
    Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side leaf spring to ensure balanced suspension performance
2. Apply anti-seize compound to all bolt threads during installation to ease future service
3. Mark the date of bushing replacement with paint marker on frame bracket for maintenance records

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking, squeaking, or unusual noises from rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all fasteners are tight and properly seated
• Check that vehicle sits level side-to-side with no sagging
• Re-torque U-bolt nuts after 50-100 miles of driving as springs may settle
• Have alignment checked if vehicle pulls to one side or tire wear was uneven before service

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