Center Support: Service and Repair

Propeller Shaft Center Support Bearing Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.





2. Place alignment marks on the cross groove joint and universal joint flange.





3. Important: Place a shop rag or equivalent into the inside of the cross groove joint cover so the boot does not touch the inside of the cross groove joint cover after the bolts have been removed.

Remove the cross joint retaining bolts.
4. Support the propeller shaft assembly.
5. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece.
6. Using a hammer and chisel, unstake the universal joint flange retaining nut.





7. Using a vise to hold the front flange, remove the nut and plate washer.





8. Place alignment marks on the universal joint flange (1).
9. Using a two jaw puller, remove the universal joint flange.
10. Remove the center support bearing and plate washer from the propeller shaft.





11. Turn the bearing by hand, check the bearing for smooth rotation.
12. Inspect the center bearing for wear or damage.
13. Inspect the seals for cracks or distortion.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the center support bearing, then the plate washer.





2. Align the alignment marks (1) on the universal joint flange and the intermediate shaft.

3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Using a new nut and plate washer, press the bearing into position by tighten the nut as follows:
1. Tighten the nut to 181 Nm (134 ft. lbs.).
2. Loosen the nut.
3. Retighten the nut to 69 Nm (51 ft. lbs.).
4. Using a hammer and chisel, stake the retaining nut.





5. Inspect the cross groove joint. The joint should move smoothly in all directions shown. Check for damage or grease leakage from the boot. If a problem is found, replace the rear propeller shaft.
6. Align the alignment marks on the intermediate shaft and rear propeller shaft, then install the two washers and 6 bolts temporarily.

7. Important: Do not tighten the center support bearing retaining bolts during installation.

Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece.
Tighten the cross groove joint bolts to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).





8. Important: The vehicle should be unloaded for the following steps.

Adjust the dimension (a) between rear side of cover and the shaft to 57.5 - 58.5 mm (2.264 - 2.303 inch). Select one of the following spacers:
^ 3.6 mm (0.142 inch)
^ 4.5 mm (0.177 inch)
^ 6.5 mm (0.256 inch)
^ 9.0 mm (0.354 inch)





9. Adjust the center bearing dimension (a) to 11.5 -13.5 mm (0.453 - 0.531 inch).
10. Tighten the center bearing retaining bolts.
Tighten the center bearing bolts to 37 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).
11. Ensure that the center line of the center bearing bracket is at right angles of the propeller shaft.
12. Lower the vehicle.