| From | Message |
mustang100
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/11/2004
08:38:16
|
 Subject: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
I think most of you know that bad leaf and shackle bushings are already listed as a TSB. I wish I knew back when my 2000 2wd CC Dak was still under warranty. I took it in for service at about 12k miles because of an annoying squeak in the rear suspension. They told me they greased everything and it should be ok. Nope. I just couldn't located the squeak. After warranty expired, I finally saw that the leaf shackles were rubbing on the mount metal to metal on both sides. I ordered a set of Energy Suspension urethane bushings. Here's a pics of before and after:
It took about 5 hours to do the first one and 3 to do the second. There's a bit of a learning curve to getting the old bushings out. To get the rubber out, I used a 1/4" drill to drill as much rubber out as possible. Then I put a propane torch on it for a while and finally beat the inner sleeve out. You also have to remove the larger sleeve in the leaf eyelet and that takes some effort. You have to either thread a hack saw in there to slit the sleeve or use an air chisel. If you don't have the time or tools, take it to a shop. I didn't get around to changing the bushings at the front of the leafs because I was dead tired and the OEMs are still doing OK.
Bobby
|
demon
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/11/2004
20:47:05
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
I've got the same problem. Do you have any
part #'s for the Energy Susp. bushings and
where did you get them?
|
mustang100
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/12/2004
09:54:19
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Energy Suspension Rear Leaf Spring Bushing Set Dodge Dakota 2WD/4WD 1997-01 (Red)
Part# 5.2113R
I got mine at www.ultrarev.com for $30 plus shipping. I got them a couple days after ordering. Good luck with the install, it's a bitch.
Bobby
|
miami
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/12/2004
09:57:19
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
yea i got hat same prob but the front of mine sqeaks too. thanks for the link.
|
demon
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/12/2004
21:03:51
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the info. How did you press/drill the
original bushings out ?
|
demon
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/12/2004
21:06:32
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Never mind , I scrolled past the bottom half of
your post.
|
Billy Bob
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/14/2004
02:27:57
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
i had similar looking control arm bushings.
the mechanic at my dealer told me that just because the visible part is missing doesn't mean the bushing is bad.
seriously. thats what he told me in front of the service advisor. what an azzhole. (both of em)
|
mustang100
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/15/2004
13:43:07
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Haha... well, in the case of the leaf bushings, it's quite obvious that it's bad. The metal shackle should not be able to rub against the shackle hanger (which it did on both sides). After taking the shackle down, I realized the one-piece bushing actually shifted through the tube. On one side, it was recessed by 1/2" and on the other it was sticking out by about 3/4". So.. if your shackle isn't perfectly centered, it will eventually end up like mine.
Bobby
|
DSW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/15/2004
14:04:30
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Mustang, did the Energy Suspension bushings have a lip on the out side of the bushing to keep the leaf spring centered? Also did you notice any squeeking from the urethane bushings? I had some urethane's on my old truck's front suspensoin and it was a squeek-fest until I greased the urethane bushings.
|
mustang100
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/15/2004
19:54:10
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Yes, the Energy bushings are like mushrooms and you stick one in each side of the tube. Mine aren't squeaking at all, but of course I lubed the hell out of every piece with wheel bearing grease. I think it would take a long time for it to go dry and possibly squeak.
|
uh
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/17/2004
06:22:55
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
is the grease compatable with the polyurathane? some plastics are not long term compatable with any petroleum products and tend to rot out faster once they come in contact.
|
miami
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/18/2004
16:30:40
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
i went to the dealer and asked about my squeeking and he said it is probably the ball joints...it squeeks like metal on metal...so u think he is right? i sprayed wd40 all over but i wanted to know the name of some good stuff..i wanna grease everythign down and see if it stops. but yea do u think my front squeekin is from the ball joints
|
Nick
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/20/2004
13:20:23
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Anyone know the TSB number on this? My front leaf spring bushing on the passenger side has a little squeak to it. I've looked it over and can't see any metal-to-metal contact. After I spray it down with silicone, the squeak stops but always comes back after a day or two. Anyone know of a longer lasting grease I can use that won't hurt the rubber?
|
STICKY
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/20/2004
17:23:32
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
An Aluminum based grease is best, won`t wash out like a lithium based one will. Marine grease like the bearing grease would be good. Shouldn`t hurt the rubber.
|
Leopoldo
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/22/2004
06:27:20
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, what is the part number for the rear energy bushing?. I bought all the bushing for the front suspension but I can't find the rear ones.
|
Leopoldo
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/22/2004
07:20:23
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi, what is the part number for the rear energy bushing?. I bought all the bushing for the front suspension but I can't find the rear ones.
|
04Dakota4x4
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/23/2004
15:17:39
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
I would recommend the Energy Suspension Graphite-Impregnated polyurethane black ones instead of the colored bushing. The graphite will help keep the squeeks done. Poly bushing will make alot more noise then rubber if they aren't lubed right.
http://www.suspension.com/ has great prices and I have used them before, quick service.
|
Snake
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/28/2004
18:47:14
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
I think I learned from the different conversations and was able to accomplish all 6 bushing replacements in about 3 hours. The easiest way to do it is to just take the leafs out of the truck. Then drill a bunch of holes in the rubber (it'll ruin your drill bit from the heat) then take a torch to the center shaft and after watching the fire for a while pull it out with some pliers. The rubber can also be pulled from the center with pliers then. I used a saber saw with a bi-metal blade to slot the metal sleves then pounded those out with a hammer. The poly went in with ease. Torqued everything back down, 120 ft.lb for the shackle bolts and 110 ft.lb for the u-bolts and you're good to go.
|
thats smart
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/03/2004
21:58:51
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
I put a propane torch on it for a while
that is really smart, heat up the spring and anneal it so after a while it is bent in the area you heated it up and let cool slowly. only a moron would apply heat to a spring and then let it air cool.
|
jfl1960
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/12/2009
13:42:11
| RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
I replace my 1999 Dakota leaf spring bushing with the red energy suspension bushings, to ensure a "NO SQUEEK" operation I drilled the actual spring and threaded it for a 1/4-28 thread per inch zerk fitting (same as most ball joint and universal zerk fittings), I also drilled a 1/8 hole in the inner bronze sleeve provided with the kit to ensure grease gets to the pivot bolt, works great, I have pics but don't know how to post them.
Also replaceing these bushing are a breeze "IN THE TRUCK", all you need is a long bolt with a washer that is just a bit smaller than the OD of the outer sleeve of the existing bushing, and a piece of pipe or a socket the same ID diameter as the outer sleeve, pics can be seen at the site below, NO TORCH, NO DRILLS, just an impact gun and 10 mins of your time. Hardest part of this job is getting the original pivot bolts out without ruining them, I just buy new ones and destroy the old ones during removal, they are usually rusted and deteriorated on the threads anyway, just cut them off with a mini grinder or hacksaw, air chisel will be a help when driving remainder of bolt out.
You can see the pics at:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3179879
|
philip
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/07/2010
22:02:40
|  RE: squeaky leaf springs
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey guys i have a 1998 dodge dakota and my rear leaf spring shackles were squeaking like crazy.I went on line and found a few options. and then i got to thinking, these shackles lasted 12 years.so i went with oem shackles and i found a site that offers shackle kits, original replacement kits, recieved product in 2 days.
did complete job in less than 1 1/2 hrs.cross my fingers for another 12 years. THANKS AUTOANDTRUCKSPRINGS.COM OR ATSSPRINGS.COM
|
| | P 1 Next Page>> |
