GM 15210791
Drive Shaft

Begin front propeller shaft replacement by supporting the car from its height and eliminating the propeller shaft heat shield. Take time to mark the propeller shaft CV Joint position relative to the transfer case flange. First remove the propeller shaft CV Joint-to-differential flange bolts before putting a flat-bladed tool into the differential flange notch. The front end propeller shaft movement toward the car's rear will free up the CV Joint from its connection with the differential pinion flange before removing the CV Joint-to-transfer case flange bolts. The transfer case will release from its connection point by inserting a flat-bladed tool into the notch located on the transfer case flange and then moving the propeller shaft ahead of the vehicle's frame. The inspection of the propeller shaft must involve tests for rotational freedom between the CV Joint and propeller shaft tube and evaluations of grease leakage and CV Joint damage or CV Joint seal damage in addition to identifying any CV Joint binding. Front propeller shaft replacement is needed when problems are discovered. To mount the propeller shaft the transfer case flange requires alignment with the coned CV Joint before fastening the shaft to both flange types. Replace damaged and worn propeller shaft-to-flange bolts before applying gm p/n 12345493 threadlocker to cleaned threads for the bolts which will need 10 minutes to cure. The threadlocker needs 10 minutes of cure time before applying it to components. Secure the CV Joint-to-differential flange bolts by using crescent washers before torquing them in sequential order to 40 n.m (29 lb ft). The repair process for propeller shaft-to-flange bolts should be repeated then followed by installing the front propeller shaft coupler-to-transfer case flange bolts with crescent washers which must be tightened in order to 40 n.m (29 lb ft) torque values to prevent CV Joint rotational movement with respect to the propeller shaft tube. Place the propeller shaft heat shield in its proper position then lower the vehicle.

Before starting front propeller shaft replacement you must lift and support the vehicle before removing the propeller shaft heat shield. The mechanic should mark the location where the propeller shaft CV Joint meets the transfer case flange before removing the bolts connecting the CV Joint to the differential flange. Apply a flat-bladed tool into the notch found on the differential flange to unlock the CV Joint from the differential pinion flange by carefully pulling the propeller shaft toward the rear. Start by taking out the CV Joint-to-transfer case flange bolts then insert a flat-bladed tool into the transfer case flange notch and move the propeller shaft forward to detach it from the transfer case flange. Check for rotatable motion between the propeller shaft tube and CV Joint and inspect for grease leakage and CV Joint damage or seal deterioration and evidence of joint binding; perform a replacement of the front propeller shaft when any problems are detected during this evaluation. To install the components fit the CV Joint coned end segment into the transfer case flange followed by connecting the propeller shaft to both transfer case and differential flanges. Replacing all damaged or worn propeller shaft-to-flange bolts forms part of the inspection process. When leaving the bolts in place for reuse they need denatured alcohol cleaning followed by gm p/n 12345493 threadlocker application (uses Canadian P/N 10953488) which requires ten minutes for curing prior to installation. Screw in the CV Joint-to-differential flange bolts while adding crescent washers and tighten them progressively beginning with bolt number 1 through bolt number 6 to 30 nm (22 ft. Lbs.). After cleaning the propeller shaft-to-flange bolts the technician should apply thread locker gm p/n 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) and allow it to cure for 10 minutes before installing the front propeller shaft coupler-to-transfer case flange bolts with crescent washers and securing them in sequence (1-6) to 30 nm (22 ft. Lbs.). First check that no rotation occurs between the CV Joint and propeller shaft tube before putting back the propeller shaft heat shield and lowering the vehicle.

Insert a flat-bladed tool into the notch on the transfer case flange and move the propeller shaft rearward.

Reinstall the propeller shaft heat shield and lower the vehicle.

Attach the propeller shaft to the transfer case flange and the differential flange.

Remove the bolts securing the heat shield to the vehicle underbody, followed by the bolts securing the support bearing.