OEM 2006 Cadillac STS Drive Shaft

2006 Cadillac STS Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the rear drive shaft in a rear-wheel drive on 2006 Cadillac STS?

  A: The first step to replace rear propeller shaft in rear-wheel drive vehicles is to perform vehicle suspension along with exhaust system removal. The next step involves separating the propeller shaft coupler-to-transmission flange bolts , nuts and washers while maintaining coupler attachment to the propeller shaft. The same procedure must be followed for the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange bolts, nuts, washers. Remove all bolts that keep the support bearing in place on the vehicle underbody while maintaining support to the propeller shaft at its support bearing. The support device should be lowered while removing the support bearing from its mounting studs after pushing the front propeller shaft toward the rear to free the coupler from the transmission flange. Pull the rear propeller shaft forward to let go the coupler from the differential flange. Note the location and count of shim packs for reassembly before extracting the propeller shaft from the vehicle body. The propeller shaft coupler requires inspection for signs of splitting, deep cracking, bolt looseness and bushing damage or absence. Strong evidence of damage calls for propeller shaft replacement. The installation procedure requires cleaning of the differential and transmission centering pins and propeller shaft bushings using a clean towel before applying a small amount of GM P/N 1051344 (Canadian P/N 993037) lubricant to the bushings. Check and potentially replace any damaged propeller shaft to flange nuts and bolts or washers. First clean the differential flange threads with denatured alcohol before using threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) to apply on the propeller shaft to flange bolt and allow cure time of 10 minutes. Use the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange washers to fasten the bolts before installing them onto their respective positions between the differential flange and propeller shaft coupler. Tighten these fasteners to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.). Use the mentioned process twice to apply thread locker to the front propeller shaft coupler and transmission flange components before installing the bolts and securing with washers and nuts while tightness remains at 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.). The installation process concludes by mounting the support bearing under the vehicle with the shim packs positioned correctly before tightening the support bolts to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.). Afterwards, the support device should be removed while reattaching the exhaust system and dropping the vehicle.