Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement (AWD)

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 Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service Intervals) .
2. Remove the rear muffler. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement (Service and Repair) .
3. Remove the exhaust heat shield for the center support bearing. Refer to Exhaust Heat Shield Replacement - Center Bearing (Exhaust Heat Shield Replacement - Center Bearing) .
4. Using a suitable jack stand, support the propeller shaft at the center support bearing.





Important: Some vehicles are equipped with shims between the center support bearing and the mounting bracket for the center support bearing for the proper driveshaft angle.


5. Remove the mounting bolts (1) for the center support bearing.





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


6. Remove the propeller shaft nuts (4), bolts (6), and the washers (5) from the propeller shaft.





Important: If the bolts and washers are found to be damaged or are excessively worn, DO NOT reuse the bolts and washers. Replace with new.


7. Remove the bolts from the CV joint on the propeller shaft to the transmission /transfer case flange.
8. Using a flat bladed screw driver, remove the propeller shaft from the transmission /transfer case flange.
9. Remove the jack stand from the center support bearing.
10. Remove the propeller shaft from the rear differential flange.




11. Remove the propeller shaft (1) from the vehicle.



Installation Procedure

1. Apply a small amount of lubricant GM P/N 1051344 (Canadian P/N 993037), or equivalent, to the rear propeller shaft center bushing and rear differential flange pilot shaft.





Important: When installing the propeller shaft, install the propeller shaft to the transmission drive flange and the rear differential flange prior to install the center support bearing.


2. With the aide of an assistant, position the propeller shaft in the vehicle.





Important: Failure to install the shims could lead to an improper driveshaft angle and could cause damage to the other propeller shaft components.


3. Install the propeller shaft center support bearing and the shims, if equipped.
4. Install the mounting bolts (1) for the center support bearing.

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






Important: Align the yellow and orange dots on the propeller shaft and the drive flange. Failure to do so could cause a drive line vibration and possible damage to the propeller shaft.


5. Align the orange paint mark (1) on the rear differential with the one yellow paint mark (2) on the propeller shaft.

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.


6. 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.




7. Install the rear propeller shaft (1) coupler (2) on the differential flange (3).
8. Install the bolt (6), and the washer (5).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

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

Tighten the nuts (4) to 85 N.m (63 lb ft).






Important: If reusing the propeller shaft to flange nuts and bolts, refer to step 5 for the proper application of the thread locker.


10. 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) to36 N.m (27 lb ft).

11. Install the exhaust heat shield for the center bearing. Refer to Exhaust Heat Shield Replacement - Center Bearing (Exhaust Heat Shield Replacement - Center Bearing) .
12. Install the exhaust system. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement (Service and Repair) .
13. Lower the vehicle.