GM 20912697
Drive Shaft

The process of front propeller shaft replacement begins by acquiring the clamp pliers - narrow jaw (J 43218) as one necessary tool. The reinstallation process requires accurate reference marking of all driveline components that relate to the propeller shaft and axles which includes propeller shafts and wheel drive shafts and pinion flanges as well as output shafts for proper reassembly alignment. You must elevate your vehicle and separate the Transfer Case clamp through natural tool opening of its exposed end with a flat-bladed tool. The technician should create reference points that show the alignment status between the propeller shaft and front axle pinion yoke. Protection of the injection joints requires not striking the yoke ears manually or inserting any tools between the yoke and Universal Joint. Detach all bolts and yoke retainers from the front axle pinion yoke and manage the bearing cap assemblies to prevent loss. The propeller shaft should be detached from the front axle pinion yoke before applying tape around each bearing cap to safeguard rollers from loss. Detach the propeller shaft by first removing its boot from the Transfer Case output shaft groove and moving the shaft forward to separate it. After securing each bearing cap with tape replace the boot. To proceed with the inspection remove any boot clamp from the propeller shaft boot along with the boot itself. Check the splines of the Transfer Case output shaft for appropriate lubricant before applying grease, gm p/n 12345879 (Canadian P/N 10953511), or equivalent lubricant which meets gm specification 9985830. After booting and clamping the propeller shaft boot you should slide the propeller shaft into the Transfer Case output shaft using the splines. The propeller shaft requires reinstallation to the front axle pinion yoke while you align reference marks established when removing it. Install the yoke retainers followed by bolts and tighten yoke retainer bolts to 25 n.m (18 lb ft). At last fit the boot onto the Transfer Case output shaft until the groove receives it and use clamp pliers - narrow jaw (J 43218) to crimp both clamps before lowering the vehicle.

A valid replacement of the front propeller shaft begins by raising the vehicle while using a flat-bladed tool to extract the clamp at the Transfer Case. Note the proper position of the propeller shaft relative to the front axle pinion yoke before avoiding hammering on the yoke ears or inserting tools into the space between the yoke and Universal Joint since this could fracture the injection joints. Disassemble the front axle pinion yoke by removing its bolts and yoke retainers but protect the bearing cap assemblies from falling off. Support the propeller shaft through front axle pinion yoke removal by applying tape to bearing caps to minimize loss of bearing rollers. Pull the boot off from the Transfer Case output shaft groove before sliding the propeller shaft forward to separate it from the output shaft. The installation process demands inspectors check the output shaft splines for adequate lubrication before applying gm p/n 12345879 (Canadian P/N 10953511) grease or equivalent with gm specification 9985830. The propeller shaft boot should be installed along with its clamping device before sliding the propeller shaft splines into the Transfer Case output shaft. Connect the propeller shaft to the front axle pinion yoke by aligning the reference marks that were used during the removal process. Install yoke retainers with bolts while securing the yoke retainer bolts at 25 nm (18 lb ft). Use the j 43218 to clamp both boot sides after fitting the boot around the Transfer Case output shaft. Then lower the vehicle.

Start the front propeller shaft replacement process by collecting two important tools which are the clamp pliers - narrow jaw (J 43218) along with other essential items. All driveline elements such as propeller shafts and wheel drive shafts and pinion flanges and output shafts require precise relation markings before breaking down the system. Lift the vehicle after which use a flat-bladed tool to pry up the exposed end of the Transfer Case clamp before removal. Use caution when making marks on the propeller shaft-pinion yoke connection because hitting the yoke ears is forbidden as well as inserting tools near the Universal Joint that may damage the seal embedding. Uninstall the front axle pinion yoke bolts and its retainers while protecting the bearing cap assemblies from damage. Position the bearing caps underneath protective tape before disconnection of the propeller shaft from the front axle pinion yoke. Entire the output shaft groove boot and then push the propeller shaft ahead to break the shaft connection with the output shaft. Start by taking away the boot clamp if needed before extracting both the boot and clamp. Check if the Transfer Case output shaft splines have enough lubrication since a lack of lubricant requires application of gm p/n 12345879 (Canadian P/N 10953511) or equivalent gm specification 9985830 lubricant. Reinstall the propeller shaft boot while attaching its clamp afterward before you guide the splines into the Transfer Case output shaft. The propeller shaft needs reinstallation on the front axle pinion yoke while carefully aligning the reference marks which were used during removal. Place yoke retainers on the castings and bolt them in position while torquing yoke retainers to 25 n.m (18 lb ft). Media lock the boot onto the Transfer Case output shaft by inserting it into the groove then crimp both clamps using the clamp pliers - narrow jaw (J 43218) while lowering the vehicle.

Snap the boot onto the transfer case output shaft and use the J 43218 to crimp both clamps.

J 43218.

Accurately reference mark all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles before disassembly.

Install the rear propeller shaft bolts and strap, tightening the yoke retainer bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb ft), then remove the support and lower the vehicle.

Mate the rear propeller shaft slip yoke onto the front propeller shaft stub shaft and install it onto the rear axle pinion yoke, aligning the reference marks.

Tighten the yoke retainer bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb ft).