Replace worn leaf spring bushings on the rear suspension to restore proper suspension geometry and eliminate clunking or squeaking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring front bushing × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Leaf spring rear shackle bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Penetrating oil × 1 — Generic

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear axle center
5. Support vehicle frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray all leaf spring mounting bolts and shackle bolts with penetrating oil

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle tube near the leaf spring being serviced. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the leaf spring and take load off the mounting hardware. The axle must remain supported throughout the procedure to control spring tension.
2. 2

   Remove rear shackle assembly
   Locate the rear shackle that connects the leaf spring to the frame. Remove the upper and lower shackle bolts using a socket and breaker bar. The shackle assembly and rear spring eye will now be free. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove front spring mounting bolt
   Locate the front leaf spring mounting bolt that passes through the front spring eye and frame bracket. Remove the nut and drive out the bolt using a socket and hammer or press. You may need to slightly adjust jack height to relieve binding on the bolt.
4. 4

   Remove spring U-bolts
   Remove the nuts from the U-bolts that clamp the leaf spring to the axle housing. Remove the U-bolt plate and lift the U-bolts out. The leaf spring assembly is now free from the axle. Carefully lower the jack supporting the axle to allow the spring to separate.
5. 5

   Remove leaf spring assembly
   Carefully remove the leaf spring assembly from the vehicle. Maneuver it out from between the frame and axle, taking care not to damage brake lines or wiring. Place the spring on a clean work surface.
6. 6

   Press out old front bushing
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing press tool, press the old bushing out of the front spring eye. Apply pressure evenly to avoid damaging the spring eye. If the bushing is severely seized, cutting it out with a reciprocating saw may be necessary, taking care not to damage the spring eye bore.
7. 7

   Press out old rear shackle bushings
   Press the old bushings out of the rear spring eye using the same method as the front bushing. There are typically two bushings (one on each side of the spring eye). Clean the spring eye bores thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for cracks or damage.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a thin coat of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the new bushings. Press the new front bushing into the front spring eye, ensuring it is centered and fully seated. Press the new rear shackle bushings into the rear spring eye, making sure they are aligned properly and fully seated flush with the spring eye.
9. 9

   Reinstall leaf spring assembly
   Position the leaf spring assembly back into the vehicle. Align the front spring eye with the frame bracket and insert the front mounting bolt through the bushing and bracket. Install the nut finger-tight. Attach the rear of the spring to the shackle and frame, installing shackle bolts finger-tight.
10. 10

    Install U-bolts and axle mounting
    Raise the rear axle with the floor jack to align it with the leaf spring. Position the spring center bolt into the axle spring pad. Install the U-bolts over the axle housing, position the U-bolt plate, and install nuts finger-tight. Gradually tighten the U-bolt nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even clamping force.
11. 11

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but full vehicle weight is not yet on the suspension. This allows access to torque the spring mounting bolts under load.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (wheels on ground), torque the front leaf spring mounting bolt and rear shackle bolts to manufacturer specification (typically 150-200 Nm, verify in service manual as not provided in database). Torque U-bolt nuts to specification. Fully lower vehicle and torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all leaf spring mounting hardware is torqued with vehicle weight on suspension to prevent binding
2. Verify U-bolts are tightened evenly to prevent spring misalignment
3. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both sides
4. Check that brake lines and ABS wiring have adequate clearance from leaf springs

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify elimination of clunking or squeaking noises from rear suspension
• Inspect for proper rear axle alignment - vehicle should track straight with no pull
• Perform visual inspection after 50-100 miles to verify all fasteners remain tight
• Check for any fluid leaks from rear differential or brake components that may have been disturbed during service

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