Front Coil Spring Popping Noise - squeak suspension vibration

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

A loud popping (sometimes also referenced as: squawk, squeak, creak, bong, rub, snap or snapping) noise coming from the front suspension on two-wheel-drive models equipped with coil springs. This noise is normally noticed when the customer has backed out of a parking space and moves forward in a tight turn.

The upper spring pocket is made up of inner and outter frame rails, which are welded together to form the frame. Both sides come together to form a cone in the upper spring pocket. This cone indexes the coil spring in the center of the spring pocket. The cone area is not welded down the middle, instead it has four edges that come together. At the end of the cone is a V notch, which acts like knifes. These edges are what cut the center of the upper spring insulator.

Steps to be followed for repair:

1. Clean the spring pocket of any foreign materials.
2. Chamfer the end of the coil spring on both ends, so no burrs are present.
3. At the V notch, roll the sharp edges towards the center of the cone. No more than an 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) is required. The purpose is to eliminate these sharp edges at the V notch and to provide a smooth non-abrasive surface to contact the insulator surface.
4. Install GM part 15737908 in the upper coil spring position.
5. Install GM part 15988238 in the lower coil spring position. GM part 15988238 insulators have molded retainers on the bottom, which are not used in the application and should be removed.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.