Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Adjustments

Front wheel drive vehicles have engine mounts with slotted holes allowing for side to side positioning of the engine. If the vertical bolts on the right or left upper engine mount have been loosened for any reason or if the vehicle has experienced front structural damage, the driveshaft lengths must be checked and corrected. A shorter than required driveshaft length can result in objectionable noise. A longer than required driveshaft length may result in potential damage.

Use of the following procedure will insure satisfactory driveshaft engagement under all normal vehicle operating conditions.

1. The vehicle must be completely assembled. Front wheels must be properly aligned and in the straight ahead position. The vehicle must be in a position so that the full weight of the body is distributed to all four tires. A platform hoist or front end alignment rack is recommended.

Driveshaft Positioning:

2. Use a tape measure or other suitable measuring device. Measure the direct distance from the inner edge of the outboard boot to the inner edge of the inboard boot on both driveshafts. This measurement must be taken at the bottom (six o'clock position) of the driveshafts, refer to image above.
NOTE: The required dimension varies with the carline, engine, transaxle and driveshaft manufacturer.
3. Driveshaft length must be within specifications, refer to DRIVESHAFT LENGTH SPECIFICATIONS. If measurement is not within specifications, engine position must be corrected as follows:
a. Remove the load from engine mounts by carefully supporting engine and transaxle assembly with a suitable jack.
b. Loosen right and left engine mount vertical bolts, then loosen only the right and front engine mount bracket-to-crossmember attaching bolts.

Left Engine Mount Adjustment:

c. Pry engine to right or left as necessary to bring driveshaft length within specifications. Ensure left engine mount is sleeved over long support bolt and shaft, to provide lateral adjustment whether or not engine weight is removed.
d. Torque engine mount vertical bolts to 27 ft-lbs, and front and center left engine mount bolts to 40 ft-lbs.