GM 15036982
Drive Shaft

Begin by lifting the vehicle properly and then create precise markings for all driveline components that position them against the propeller shaft and axles and pinion and output shafts and flanges so the installation will maintain the initial components' relationship. When removing the bolts from the pinion yoke rear axle retainer avoid hammering the yoke's ears and refraining from using tools between universal joints for the sake of avoiding injection joint fractures. First disconnect the prop shaft from its position at the rear axle pinion yoke through a forward sliding motion before removing it from transmission or Transfer Case position by pulling it rearward thus completing the prop shaft removal process. The Slip Yoke splines need inspection for proper grease application before installation while lubrication should be provided if necessary. Position the propeller shaft into the transmission or Transfer Case according to reference marks removed previously before fitting it to the rear axle pinion yoke by using the same reference points. Drive the vehicle down then install the yoke retainers and bolts while tightening them to 20 nm (15 ft. Lbs.).

The first step when replacing a rear propeller shaft involves accurate marking of driveline elements when taking them apart from the propeller shafts to drive axles and pinion flanges and output shafts for reassembly keeping components in their removal position. The mechanics should raise the vehicle then label the propeller shaft points which will connect to the transmission or Transfer Case and rear axle pinion yoke. Softly unscrew the bolts and yoke retainers which anchor the rear axle pinion yoke and handle both parts with extreme caution to stop damaging the injection joints. The propeller shaft needs sliding forward to detach from the rear axle pinion yoke then backward to detach from the transmission or Transfer Case before removing the shaft. During installation you should check that Slip Yoke splines have enough grease applied before adding gm p/n 12377985 or its equivalent if necessary. Reinstall the propeller shaft into the transmission or Transfer Case while aligning the reference marks from uninstallation before connecting it to the rear axle pinion yoke by lining up its reference marks. Set the yoke retainers and bolts in position before tightening them to 20 n.m (15 lb ft). The last step is to lower the vehicle.

Replacement of the rear propeller shaft starts with marking all driveline parts relative to the shaft and axles before separation of components including propeller shafts, drive axles and pinion flanges and output shafts so reinstallation occurs with the same connection points as original assembly according to published specifications and torque values. Begin by raising the vehicle. The reference markings will be established to connect the propeller shaft with both the rear axle pinion yoke and transmission or Transfer Case. Before installing the rear axle pinion yoke retainers and bolts users should avoid damaging the yoke ears while keeping the Universal Joint free from any tools to prevent injection joint fractures. After lifting the vehicle you should slip the propeller shaft ahead to the rear axle pinion yoke separation point before moving the shaft backward to pop off the transmission or Transfer Case attachment. Then remove the complete propeller shaft assembly. The installation process requires an inspection of the Slip Yoke spline area for adequate grease protection. If insufficient grease exists, application of gm p/n 12377985 or an equivalent grease product is mandatory. The propeller shaft needs to be inserted first into the transmission or Transfer Case and its marks from removal should be used for alignment before installing it onto the rear axle pinion yoke where additional reference mark alignment takes place. Mount the yoke retainers along with their bolts while adjusting torque to 20 n.m (15 lb ft). The installation progression concludes with lowering the vehicle.

Attach the propeller shaft to the front axle pinion yoke, install the yoke retainers and bolts, and tighten the front propeller shaft yoke clamp bolts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).

Carefully, without damaging the injection joints by not pounding on the yoke ears or using a tool between the yoke and the universal joint.

The propeller shafts, drive axles, pinion flanges, and output shafts.

Lubricate with grease (GM P/N 12377985 or equivalent).

Install the propeller shaft to the transfer case and then to the front axle pinion yoke, aligning the reference marks made during removal.

Do not pound on the yoke ears or use a tool between the yoke and the universal joint, as this may fracture the injection joints.

A snapping noise will be produced when properly engaged.

Lower the vehicle.