Tuesday :: 06 January 2009 :: 11:32 AM
353 days to Christmas!
Rear Suspension Squeak Removal
Tools: Yes, this is all you need! If you don't have a square, something as simple as the flap from a cardboard box will do. Most of them are cut pretty square.
1 Hammer
1 Square
The Culprit: Located behind the rear wheels, clamped around the springs.
The Reason: Given the amount of force it takes to move the shackles, I'd have to bet they are off from the factory. Being said, the springs continually rub against the wear block and in turn create a smooth spot on the wear block which begins to squeak.
The Remedy: Crawl underneath with the previously mentioned tools. Once there, you'll see the spring shackle and it's mounting rivet. As you can see with mine, it was way out of square. The red arrow points to the gap between where square with the spring would be and where the shackle actually is. We're going to influence the shackle to square up to the spring by using the hammer and hitting it where the yellow arrow shows (corner farthest away from the square).
The Goal: After a few hits, the shackle should begin to move. It will pivot around the mounting rivet. Ideally, you want it square as this will give the most room between the wear blocks. Hopefully, your squeak is gone. While yer on your back, might as well check the other side.
The Result: As you can see, the shackle is nice and square. Next step is a quick shake of the bed or a short drive. Hopefully, you can now stop wearing your earplugs or at the very least, turn the volume of the radio down a bit.
Random Humor: Another Court Room Joke
Court: Is there any reason you cannot serve on this jury?
Juror: Yes. I don't want to be away from my job that long.
Court: Can't they do without you at work?
Juror: Yes -- but I don't want them to know it.