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Fugitive861 · 11-24-2020, 10:34 AM

My right rear leaf spring suddenly started squeaking relentlessly. During inspection I found some type of plastic or fiber pad between the leafs. The pad was mostly disintegrated and out of place. I pounded a chisel between the leafs to separate them enough to get the pad back in place, but nothing was holding it secure. I was quiet for one trip. Now it is squeaking again. I've seen plastic isolator pads for springs for this purpose but cannot find anything listed for the F53. And, if I get the pads, I don't know if they can be replaced without removing the whole leaf spring assembly...which I do not really want to do. Does anyone here have experience with these spring and in particular, replacing the pads? Thanks.

Iceman-31D · 11-28-2020, 06:09 AM

Are you positive it is the spring squeaking? I had some bad suspension squeaks, so I spray lubed my springs, re-adjusted the spring pads, and still they squeaked! Then I saw a post on here that most suspension squeaks are from the sway bar bushings, so I squirted some chain lube into my sway bar bushings and voila - beautiful silence! If you haven't tried that, might be worth a go.

TeJay · 11-28-2020, 07:27 AM

My only advice to anyone doing this is to make sure the lube you are going to use is OK for the rubber parts. Some may cause eventual deterioration of the rubber.

Fiesta48 · 11-29-2020, 07:36 AM

I used hypoid oil (75w 90) on my old leaf springs get them to slide better. Won't hurt rubber.

chboone · 11-29-2020, 07:47 PM

This is what your looking for. Will they work for the F53 maybe if they will fit the hole in spring they will work. Hardest part is spreading the spring enough to get them in. A suspension/spring shop in your area should be able to help.
https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-924-07...6704035&sr=8-1

THenne1713 · 11-29-2020, 11:50 PM

I did READ about a Class-A owner who jacked his chassis to open the leaf spring gaps, and then greased between each spring where possible; stated it had great improvement; have also read where (most) lower chassis squeak is related to sway bar bushings, and SILICONE SPRAY LUBE can be a big help, if bushings do not otherwise need replacing? Luck to ya

Fugitive861 · 11-30-2020, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chboone

This is what your looking for. Will they work for the F53 maybe if they will fit the hole in spring they will work. Hardest part is spreading the spring enough to get them in. A suspension/spring shop in your area should be able to help.
https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-924-07...6704035&sr=8-1

Thanks. I may try these.

Tlmr4784 · 12-03-2020, 04:49 PM

I remember years ago a spring expert stating leaf springs are designed to work under friction.
He said they should never be lubricated.
Separate and keep clean.
Not sure if this is what experts believe today.
I'm sure someone will chime in.