GM 25843685
Drive Shaft, Front

The replacement of the one-piece propeller shaft starts with placing the transmission in neutral while releasing any engaged park brake. Setting the vehicle on supports allows you to mark the Drive Shaft flange against the rear Universal Joint before removing retaining bolts and clamps. Start by removing retaining bolts and clamps that lead to separation of the propeller shaft between the pinion drive flange and the transmission/transfer case. U-joint bearing caps should be wrapped by tape or rubber band to avoid separation. The u-joint opening process requires removal of tape or rubber bands before inserting the propeller shaft into the transmission/transfer case and positioning it according to the pinion flange reference marks. Secure the clamps and retaining bolts before tightening them to 20 nm (15 lb ft) tension while conducting a vehicle lowering procedure.

The replacement procedure for one-piece propeller shaft begins by setting the transmission to neutral then removing either the park brake if present. The repair process requires vehicle elevation followed by marking of the Drive Shaft flange and rear Universal Joint relationship. You must first remove all retaining bolts along with clamps which enables the removal of the propeller shaft from the pinion drive flange and the transmission/transfer case. The u-joint bearing caps must remain together so tape or a rubber band should be applied around them. The u-joint requires removal of tape or rubber band before the propeller shaft can be installed into the transmission/transfer case while maintaining alignment with pinion flange reference marks. Place the clamps with bolts before lowering the vehicle and secure them at 20 n.m (15 lb ft).

Your first step for replacing the one-piece propeller shaft must include placing the transmission in neutral position and releasing any active park brake controls. First support the vehicle before making references on the Drive Shaft flange to the rear Universal Joint. Start the procedure by untightening and removing the retaining bolts and clamps which enables you to remove the propeller shaft from both the pinion drive flange and transmission/Transfer Case. The u-joint bearing caps need protection from separation so tape or rubber bands should be used for this purpose. When replacing the u-joint first remove tape or rubber band before installing the propeller shaft into the transmission/Transfer Case while matching the pinion reference marks. After installing clamps with retaining bolts you must torque them to 20 nm (15 lb ft) before dropping the vehicle.

The first step to replace the front propeller shaft requires vehicles to be lifted and properly supported. Make permanent marks both that connect the front u-joint to the pinion yoke of the front Differential and between the rear u-joint and the transfer case drive flange. Start by removing both retaining nuts and bolts from the drive flange followed by taking off the clamps and retaining bolts from the front drive axle pinion flange. To avoid separation of front u-joint bearing caps you should use tape or rubber bands to bind these components during removal of the front propeller shaft from the vehicle. The installation requires tape or rubber band removal before installing the front propeller shaft while matching the front u-joint reference marks. General tool tightening should be used on retaining bolts to maintain the front propeller shaft position. Then install the front u-joint bolts while securing the clamps and set the reference marks on the rear u-joint before securing all propeller shaft to pinion flange bolts at 20 n.m (15 lb ft). The vehicle must be lowered after the front propeller u-joint clamps receive torques of 20 n.m (15 lb ft) on their bolts.

Align the reference marks on the front U-joint.

Rotate the propeller shafts to align all external clips, then mark the rear propeller shaft to the pinion drive flange, center bearing support, and transmission.

Rotate the propeller shaft to align the marks with the pinion yoke, then remove the tape or rubber band.

Remove the mounting bolts for the center bearing and take the center bearing out from the crossmember, followed by removing the propeller shaft from the transmission.

Raise and support the vehicle.

Finger tight.

Align the reference marks on the rear U-joint and install the propeller shaft to pinion flange bolts.

Rotate the propeller shaft to align the marks with the pinion yoke, then remove the tape or rubber band, position the U-Joint in the pinion yoke, and install the clamps and retaining bolts, tightening them to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).

Remove the tape or rubber band from the front U-joint.

Install the center bearing to the crossmember and secure it with the mounting bolts, tightening them to 80 N.m (59 lb ft).