Drive/Propeller Shaft: Service and Repair
Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement (RPO LSA)
Caution: The propeller shaft must be supported during removal and/or installation so that the CV joint does not articulate more than 8 degrees. Allowing the propeller shaft to articulate greater than 8 degrees could cause damage to the CV boot. Damage to boot could lead to contamination or loss of lubrication which could lead to CV joint damage.
Removal Procedure
Note: Before removing the propeller shaft from the vehicle, paint or scribe references marks on the transfer case or transmission flange to the propeller shaft and the rear differential drive flange to ensure minimal driveline system imbalance.
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the rear muffler. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement (LSA) (Exhaust System Replacement)Exhaust System Replacement (LF1) (Exhaust System Replacement)Exhaust System Replacement (Single) (Exhaust System Replacement (Single))Exhaust System Replacement (LLT) (Exhaust System Replacement).
3. Remove the floor pan mid tunnel insulator.
4. Mark the relationship of the propeller shaft (1) to the transmission flange (2).
5. Mark the relationship of the propeller shaft (2) to the rear differential flange (1).
6. Using a suitable jack stand, support the propeller shaft at the center support bearing.
Note: If the vehicles has shims between the center support bearing and the mounting bracket, mark the location of the shims to ensure the proper re-installation of the shims to retain the proper driveshaft angle.
7. Remove the mounting bolts (1) for the center support bearing.
Note: If the bolts and washers are found to be damaged or are excessively worn, DO NOT reuse the bolts and washers. Replace with new.
8. Remove the bolts and washers (1) from the propeller shaft.
9. Using the appropriate tool, remove the propeller shaft (2) from the transmission (1).
10. Support the propeller shaft at the transmission.
Note: If removing the propeller shaft from the rear differential to service driveline other components, relocate the propeller shaft and support with mechanics wire or equivalent.
11. Remove the bolts and washers (1) from the propeller shaft (2).
12. Remove the propeller shaft (1) from the rear differential (2).
13. With the aid of an assistant, remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
Note:
* Align the paint or scribe marks on the transfer case or the transmission flange and the rear differential flange to ensure minimal driveline system balance.
* When installing the propeller shaft, install the propeller shaft to the transmission drive flange and the rear differential flange prior to install the center support bearing.
1. With the aid of an assistant, position the propeller shaft (2) in the transmission flange (2).
2. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft (2) and the transmission flange (1).
3. Install 3 of the bolt and washers (1) to hold the propeller shaft in place.
Note: Failure to install the shims could lead to an improper driveshaft angle and could cause damage to the other propeller shaft components.
4. Install the propeller shaft center support bearing and the shims, if equipped.
Note: DO NOT tighten the bolts at this time. The center bearing has to be centered before tightening the bolts to the proper specifications.
5. Install the mounting bolts (1) for the center support bearing.
6. Position the propeller shaft (1) in the rear differential flange (2).
7. Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft (1) and the differential drive flange (2).
Note: If reusing the propeller shaft bolts, to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention, the threads must be free of debris prior to the application of threadlocker. Use the appropriate cleaner, thoroughly clean the threads and allow to dry.
8. Apply threadlocker to the threads of the bolts. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers ([1][2]Drive/Propeller Shaft).
9. Install 3 of the bolt and washers (1) to hold the propeller shaft in place.
10. Install the remaining bolts (1) for the propeller shaft to transmission flange.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).
11. Tighten the bolts in sequence to 65 Nm (48 lb ft).
12. Install the remaining 3 propeller shaft bolts (1) to rear differential flange.
13. Tighten the bolts in sequence to 65 Nm (48 lb ft).
Note: The propeller shaft must be centered between the front and rear CV joints to ensure optimal propeller shaft CV joint travel.
14. Adjust the center bearing so the measured distance of the propeller shaft and the constant velocity joint at (a) and at (b) is 34.5 mm (1.60 inch).
15. Tighten the center bearing bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
16. Install the floor pan mid tunnel insulator.
17. Install the exhaust system. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement (LSA) (Exhaust System Replacement)Exhaust System Replacement (LF1) (Exhaust System Replacement)Exhaust System Replacement (Single) (Exhaust System Replacement (Single))Exhaust System Replacement (LLT) (Exhaust System Replacement).
18. Lower the vehicle.