GM 15814472
Drive Shaft

The first step to change the rear propeller shaft requires accurate markings of driveline elements relative to the shafts and axles prior to disassembly which includes both propeller shafts and drive axles and pinion flanges and output shafts requiring exact reassembly positioning as original. You should raise the vehicle to note the propeller shaft position regarding the front yoke of the rear axle and both the transmission and Transfer Case. Use a socket and wrench to remove the boltages as well as yoke retainers attached to the rear axle pinion yoke . Refrain from using tools along the yoke and Universal Joint interface and prevent striking the ears of the yoke while removing it. To remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle start by sliding the rear axle pinion yoke forward after disconnecting it from the transmission or Transfer Case motion. The Slip Yoke splines require inspection for proper lubrication after which you should apply gm p/n 12345879 (Canadian P/N 10953511) or equivalent lubrication matching gm specification 9985830 (RWD w/4 speed Automatic Transmission). To install the propeller shaft in the transmission or Transfer Case identify reference marks from removal resulting in proper shaft alignment with the rear axle pinion yoke where appropriate reference marks should be situated. First install the retainers and bolts and then secure the yoke retainer bolts until they achieve a torque of 25 n.m (18 lb ft). Finally, lower the vehicle.

Replacement of the rear propeller shaft requires initiating by marking all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles during disassembly of propeller shafts, drive axles, pinion flanges, and output shafts to preserve their original relationship before assembling them back per published specifications and torque guide. Begin by raising the vehicle. The propeller shaft needs reference marking by technicians to the transmission or Transfer Case as well as the rear axle pinion yoke. Start the process by unfastening the bolts then taking out the yoke retainers which secure the rear axle pinion yoke. You must prevent damaging injection joints when removing the yoke from the Universal Joint by both staying away from ear pounding and using any tool near the yoke-to-joint contact points. You can remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle after sliding it forward to disconnect from the rear axle pinion yoke and sliding it backward to disconnect from the transmission or Transfer Case. The Slip Yoke splines must receive regular lubrication checks before installation using gm p/n 12345879 (Canadian P/N 10953511) or equivalent products which meet gm specification 9985830 (RWD w/4 speed Automatic Transmission). Install the propeller shaft into the transmission or Transfer Case while using reference marks from removal. After that put the propeller shaft into the rear axle pinion yoke using reference marks from removal. After installing the yoke retainers together with their bolts tighten them to 25 n.m (18 lb ft) and lower the vehicle.