Drive/Propeller Shaft: Testing and Inspection

INSPECTION

NOTE: Do not disassemble propeller shaft. Check the following and replace if necessary.

1) Tube surfaces for dents or cracks
2) Splines for deformation or abnormal wear
3) Joints for non-smooth operation or abnormal noise
4) Center bearing for free play, noise or non smooth operation
5) Oil seals for abnormal wear or damage
6) Center bearing for breakage

Check the following points with propeller shaft in stalled in vehicle.

JOINTS AND CONNECTIONS
1) Remove the rear exhaust pipes and muffler.
2) Remove the heat shield cover. (If equipped)
3) Check for any looseness of yoke flange connecting bolts and center bearing retaining bolts.

SPLINES AND BEARING LOCATIONS
1) Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
2) Remove the heat shield cover. (If equipped)





3) Turn the propeller shaft by hand to see if abnormal free play exists at splines. Also move yokes to see if the abnormal free play exists at spiders and bearings.

RUNOUT OF PROPELLER SHAFT
1) Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
2) Remove the heat shield cover. (If equipped)





3) Turn the rear wheels by hand to check for "runout" of propeller shaft.

NOTE: Measure runout with a dial gauge at the center of front and rear propeller shaft tubes.

Runout: Limit 0.6 mm (0.024 inch)

CENTER BEARING FREE PLAY
1) Remove the rear exhaust pipe and muffler.
2) Remove the heat shield cover. (If equipped)





3) While holding propeller shaft near center bearing with your hand, move it up and down, and left and right to check for any abnormal bearing free play.