Propeller Shaft Runout Check

NOTE: Noise or vibration at high speed could be caused by a bent propeller shaft. The propeller shaft could have been damaged by rough handling or a collision. Check for propeller shaft run-out.

1. Raise the vehicle on a twin-post hoist so that the wheels can spin.
2. Attach a magnetic base dial indicator to a smooth metal surface on the vehicle underbody.

Important: Do not attach the dial indicator base at a weld.

3. Take the dial indicator readings at the propeller shaft check points shown.
4. With the transmission in neutral, hand rotate the axle pinion flange or the transmission yoke and take-the necessary dial indicator readings on the propeller shaft. Record the readings.
- One-piece: Measure the runout at the points shown. If runout exceeds specifications, rotate the propeller shaft 180° at the pinion flange. Clean the mating surfaces, bearing caps, bearing straps, and pinion yoke of corrosion using crocus cloth or 400 grit sandpaper and reinstall. Check the runout again. If the runout still exceeds specifications, refer to Step 5.
- Two-piece: Measure the rear propeller shaft runout points shown. Reference mark the position of the rear propeller shaft yoke to the pinion flange. Remove the rear propeller shaft and measure the front propeller shaft runout, both on the tube, and at the tapered hole on the splined end If the runout exceeds specifications, rotate the rear propeller shaft 180 degrees at the pinion flange, clean the mating surfaces bearing caps, bearing straps, and pinion yoke of corrosion using crocus cloth or 400 grit sandpaper and reinstall. Check the runout again. If the runout-still exceeds specifications, refer to Step 5.
5. If the runout is still over specifications at one or more check points, check for a bent pinion flange. If the pinion flange is not damaged, replace the appropriate propeller shaft. Check the runout on the replacement propeller shaft.

Important: The splined end of a propeller shaft is critical to the smooth operation of a two-piece-propeller shaft. Make sure the dial indicator readings are accurate.