Genuine Chevrolet K1500 Drive Shaft

Chevrolet K1500 Drive Shaft Parts Questions & Answers

• Front Axle Propeller Shaft
  26057959
  Q: What is a driveshaft and universal joints and its function in a Chevrolet C1500 and K1500?

  A: A drive shaft is a tube or set of tubes that transfers power between either the transmission or the transfer case on 4WD models and the differential. Universal joints are positioned at each end of the driveshaft as well as in the center of two-piece driveshafts. On 2WD models, their driveshafts have a front splined yoke that slips into the transmission extension housing so that their length can increase and decrease. An oil seal prevents leakage at this point. Driveshafts on 4WD models tend to come with a splined yoke / companion flange at the transfer case end while two-piece driveshafts typically sport a slip joint at the front of the rear section. Center bearings carry the driveline when two-piece driveshafts are used. It's not often you need to service a drive shaft assembly but if anything goes wrong, replace worn universal joints since they have had to be greased for life. The drivshaft must be cleaned and checked for damage whenever lifting vehciles during servicing, ensuring that small weights used in balancing it do not detach. In most instances, noise or vibration when driving signifies trouble in the drivshaft whereas road testing can clarify whether this is right.
• Shaft Assembly, Propeller
  26026138
  Q: How do you remove the rear driveshaft?

  A: First, remove the rear driveshaft by disconnecting the negative battery cable and then jack up the vehicle, securely supporting it on jackstands. To ensure proper reinstallation, put the transmission in Neutral with the parking brake off and make alignment marks on the driveshaft and differential flange. For two-piece driveshafts, tape the bearing caps to the spider and remove the bolts, nuts, and washers from the center support bearing bracket. Remove rear universal joint bolts and straps or companion flange bolts, nuts, and washers if a 4WD vehicle. For two piece drive shafts unbolt and take out nut from centre support bearing bracket and tape bearing caps into spider. Drop down back of propeller shaft to take it away from pinion flange; then slide front of propeller shaft out of transmission (or transfer case), or separate companion flange at transfer case (for 4WD vehicles). If transmission or transfer case end has a splined yoke, put a plastic bag over it to prevent fluid loss or contamination. On installation remove plastic bag wipe area clean and inspect oil seal. Slide front of propeller shaft into transmission (or transfer case) ensuring alignment marks are in place, or connect companion flange for same. Remove tape securing bearing caps install straps bolts and tighten as specified torque. Finally lower vehicle reconnect negative battery cable. In 4WD models' front driveshaft raise vehicle removing skid plate if applicable marking relationship of driveshaft to front differential flange as well as transfer case flange. Push rear half of driveshaft forward separating it from transfer case flange lower it then separate at differential flange. On installation attach front end of drive shaft to front differential flange installing straps and bolts finger-tight extending/compressing drive shaft as required attaching rear end to transfer case flange. Tighten all bolts to specified torque reinstall skid plate (if removed) lower vehicle, reconnect negative battery cable.