Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement

Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement (AWD)

Notice: 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

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the exhaust system.
3. Using a suitable jack, support the propeller shaft close to the support bearing.




4. Remove the bolts (1) securing the heat shield to the vehicle underbody.
5. Remove the bolts (2) securing the support bearing to the vehicle underbody.




6. Reference mark the location of the propeller shaft consent velocity (CV) joint to the transfer case flange.
7. Remove the propeller shaft CV joint to transfer case flange bolts.





Important: Remove only the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange bolts. Do NOT remove the coupler from the propeller shaft.

8. Remove the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange bolts (6), nuts (4) and washers (5).




9. Install a flat-bladed tool into the notch on the transfer case flange.
10. Using a flat-bladed tool, move the propeller shaft toward the rear of the vehicle in order to release the propeller shaft CV joint from the transfer case flange.
11. While holding the propeller shaft, lower the support device under the propeller shaft.
12. Move the propeller shaft forward to release the coupler from the differential flange.
13. Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle.
14. Inspect the propeller shaft coupler for the following conditions:

* Splitting of the coupler
* Deep cracking. Minor superficial cracking of the coupler is acceptable.
* Distorted or missing mounting bolt bushings

15. If any of the above conditions are found, the propeller shaft requires replacement.
16. Inspect the CV Joint for the following:

* Grease leaking from the CV joint
* Damage to the CV joint
* Damage to the CV joint boot
* Rotate the CV joint for binding

Installation Procedure

1. Using a clean shop cloth, clean the following:

* The differential flange centering pin
* The propeller shaft centering bushing

2. Inspect the propeller shaft to flange nuts and bolts. Replace the nuts and bolts if damaged or worn.

Important: The propeller shaft flange bolts must be installed toward the flanges. There are arrows on the coupler pointing toward the flange as a reference.

3. Using a suitable jack, support the propeller shaft close to the support bearing.
4. Apply a small amount of lubricant GM P/N 1051344 (Canadian P/N 993037), or equivalent, to the rear propeller shaft centering bushing.




5. Inspect the propeller shaft-to-flange nuts (4), bolts (6) and washers (5). Replace if damaged or worn.
Install the rear propeller shaft coupler (2) to the differential flange (3).
6. Push the propeller shaft (1) to the rear of the vehicle and install the propeller shaft coupler to the transfer case flange.

Important: If reusing the propeller shaft-to-flange nuts and bolts, to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention, the threads must be free of debris prior to the application of threadlocker.

7. Thoroughly clean the threads using denatured alcohol, or equivalent, and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent, to the propeller shaft to the flange bolt. Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolt. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.
8. Install the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange washers (5) to the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange bolts (6).
9. Install the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange bolts (6) and washers (5) to the differential flange (3) and propeller shaft coupler (2).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

10. Install the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange nuts (4).

Tighten the propeller shaft coupler to differential flange bolts to 85 N.m (63 lb ft).

Important: If reusing the propeller shaft to flange nuts and bolts, to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention, the threads must be free of debris prior to the application of threadlocker.

11. Thoroughly clean the threads using denatured alcohol, or equivalent, and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent, to the propeller shaft to flange bolt. Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolt. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.




12. Install the propeller shaft CV joint to transfer case flange bolts.

Tighten the propeller shaft CV joint to transfer case flange bolts in sequence (1-6) to 40 N.m (29 lb ft).




13. Install the center support bearing to the vehicle underbody.
14. Raise the support device in order to hold the support bearing in position.
15. Install the center support bearing bolts (2) to the studs on the vehicle underbody.

Tighten the support bearing bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

16. Install the heat shield bolts to the mounting studs on the underbody.

Tighten the heat shield mounting bolts to 8 N.m (71 lb in).

17. Remove the support device from the propeller shaft.
18. Install the exhaust system.
19. Lower the vehicle.