GM 15036984
Drive Shaft

Begin two-piece propeller shaft replacement by performing reference marks accurately on all driveline components regarding their propeller shaft and axles positions before removing parts such as the propeller shaft as well as drive axles and pinion flanges and output shafts keeping the original part positioning relations. Detach the center bearing support bracket from the crossmember before removing necessary bolts or yoke retainers from the pinion flange of the rear axle. Extract the rear propeller shaft through the spline shaft and discharge it from the transmission or Transfer Case rear end. Clean all bearing cap surfaces and bearing straps together with the pinion yoke of corrosion using crocus cloth or 400 grit sandpaper before cleaning them with an approved solvent. The technician should check the front Slip Yoke for outer surface burrs and evaluate the wear of Slip Yoke splines while inspecting bearing cup installation and uniform seating and looking for spline twist or incorrect Universal Joint fit. Front propeller shaft stub shaft installation requires at least a sufficient grease coating on its splines while missing grease requires chassis grease use (GM P/N 12377985 or equivalent). Before attachment the front propeller shaft should be installed to transmission or Transfer Case while aligning index splines and ensuring the rear propeller shaft gets installed with its center bearing before the splines of both shafts properly mesh. Install the rear propeller shaft first onto the pinion flange/yoke before tightening the single Universal Joint yoke retainers/gym bolts to 20 nm for single joints and double cardan joint flange bolts to 45 nm. The center bearing alignment must be performed to safeguard the propeller shaft assembly by securing it at 89-91 degrees perpendicular to the propeller shaft during bolt installation. Before lowering the vehicle complete the installation of center bearing bolts to crossmember securing the support bolts with a torque of 70 nm (50 ft. Lbs.).

A technic should lift then support a vehicle before starting the one-piece propeller shaft replacement process. Driveline parts such as propeller shafts and drive axles together with pinion flanges and output shafts need marking for precise reinstallation relationships. The clamp bolts at the rear of the pinion flange need removal without hammering yoke ears or inserting tools between Universal Joint and yoke since it can cause injection joint fracture. Move the propeller shaft forward while detaching it from the rear axle flange then apply tape to the bearing cups to avoid bearing roller loss and keep the Universal Joint from becoming excessively angled to avoid breakage. Pull the rear section of the propeller shaft gently while lowering it from the transmission opening. A suitable solvent should be used to clean all parts while you should inspect the nylon injected yoke outer diameter for burrs before checking that bearing cups are properly installed and have uniform seating along with the examination of slip yoke splines for damage requiring part replacement when needed. Installation requires inserting the propeller shaft into the transmission space before lubricating the slip joint while mounting the yoke to the pinion flange. The proper seating requires you to align the reference marks between the pinion flange and the propeller shaft rear yoke before install the retainer systems. For installation of the rear pinion flange bolts users should apply 20 nm (15 ft. Lbs.) torque when working with 2.2l engines yet use 45 nm (33 ft. Lbs.) torque with 4.3l engines.

A snapping noise will be produced when it is properly engaged.

Align the previously drawn reference marks and install the shaft to the transfer case, ensuring the propeller shaft assembly is fully engaged into the slip yoke.

20 Nm (15 lb. ft.).

Install the front propeller shaft yoke clamp bolts to the front drive axle and tighten them to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.), then lower the vehicle.