Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints: Service and Repair

Rear Driveshaft





Special Tool(s)

1. CAUTION: Only remove the flex couplings from the driveshaft if it is necessary to install new flex couplings and alignment bushings. Install new flex couplings and alignment bushings as a pair.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist.
2. CAUTION: Do not allow the full weight of the exhaust to bear against the exhaust pipe manifold flanges. This will damage the flanges and create exhaust leaks.

Remove the muffler and extension pipe assembly.
3. Remove the eight retainers and the heat shield.
4. Index-mark the driveshaft on both sides of the slip joint.








5. Remove the components in the order indicated in the illustration and table.

6. NOTE: Install 1 gram of grease in each alignment bushing when installing the drive shaft.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Item 1: Flex Coupling To Flange Bolt Nut Removal Note





1. CAUTION: To make sure assembly will be in the exact location as when removed, index-mark the bolt, nut, washer and flex coupling to the pinion flange with paint or marker. Using a different color paint or marker, index-mark the second bolt, nut, washer and flex coupling to the pinion flange. These fasteners are balanced weights. Always assemble them in their original positions. Failure to do so can cause driveshaft NVH. Do not remove the bolts retaining the flex coupling to the driveshaft.

NOTE: The bolt heads are serrated. Hold the bolt and loosen the nut.

Remove three nuts, washers and bolts.





2. CAUTION: To make sure assembly will be in the exact location as when removed, index-mark the bolt, nut, washer and flex coupling to the pinion flange with paint or marker. Using a different color paint or marker, index-mark the second bolt, nut, washer and flex coupling to the pinion flange. These fasteners are balanced weights. Always assemble them in their original positions. Failure to do so can cause driveshaft NVH. Do not remove the bolts retaining the flex coupling to the driveshaft.

NOTE: The bolt heads are serrated. Hold the bolt and loosen the nut.

Remove three nuts, washers and bolts.

Item 5: Center Bearing and Bracket Assembly Removal Note
1. Separate the front and rear driveshaft sections





2. CAUTION: Do not clamp on the driveshaft tube as a fracture can result.

Position and clamp the driveshaft at the weld yoke.





3. Using the special tools, remove the retaining ring and the center bearing and bracket assembly.

Item 11: Alignment Bushing Removal Note





1. CAUTION: Do not clamp the vise on the driveshaft tube as a fracture can result.

Insert the special tool inside the alignment bushing and expand the collet.





2. Install the special tools.





3. Hold the forcing screw and tighten the taut until the alignment bushing, inner core is removed.





4. Discard the alignment bushing inner core.





5. Insert the special tool and adjust it to seat behind the bushing shell.





6. Install the special tools.





7. Hold the forcing screw and tighten the nut until the alignment bushing outer shell is removed.





8. Discard the alignment bushing outer shell.

Item 11: Alignment Bushing Installation Note





1. NOTE: Install the alignment bushing with the seal facing outboard.

Using the special tools, align the bushing with the driveshaft.





2. Using the special tools, drive the alignment bushing until the tool contacts the end yoke

Item 8: Flex Coupling Installation Note





1. CAUTION: There are six bushings in each flex coupling. Three of the bushings protrude from one side of the flex coupling and three protrude from the other side. The arrows on the side of the flex coupling point toward the protruding end of the bushing. When installing the flex coupling, the protruding end of the bushing must seat in the driveshaft flange counterbore or damage will occur to the flex coupling during driveshaft operation.

Install the flex coupling.
1 Position the end of the bushing against the driveshaft flange

2 CAUTION: The bolt heads must seat against the driveshaft flange and the nuts against the flex coupling.

Install the three nuts and bolts in their original position

Item 7: Flex Coupling To Driveshaft Bolt Installation Note





1. NOTE: The bolt heads are serrated. Hold the bolt and tighten the nut.

Tighten the nuts.
^ Coat the threads of the bolts with sealer

Item 5: Center Bearing and Bracket Assembly Installation Note





1. Position the center bearing and bracket assembly and the retaining ring on the yoke.





2. Using the special tool, drive the retaining ring and bearing assembly until fully seated on the yoke.

Item 1: Flex Coupling To Flange Bolt Nut Installation Note





1. CAUTION: Install the bolts, washers and nuts in their original positions or driveshaft NVH can occur. Install the driveshaft flex coupling bolts with the head of the bolt seated against the flange and the nuts seated against the flex coupling.

NOTE: The bolt heads are serrated. Hold the bolt and tighten the nut.

Install the bolts, washers and nuts.
^ Coat the nut and bolt threads with sealer.