Upon further investigation:
The noise seems to be from the plastic bracket or grommet moving against the steel frame it fits into, not the spring itself. How can I safely unhook the spring to further diagnose this?
I have a 2 year old Kenmore HE2+. When it washes clothes, each tub support spring makes a terrible noise as the inside of its "hook" rubs against the metal frame that supports it. The Sears repairman said that's just how they are and there is nothing that can be done about it.
I hate the noise...