Chevrolet 30012976 Front Propeller Shaft Assembly(On Esn)

Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Block the front wheels. The transmission should be in Neutral. Crawl under the vehicle and visually inspect the driveshaft. Look for dents and cracks in the tube. If any are found, the drive-shaft must be replaced. Check for oil leakage at the front and rear of the driveshaft. Leakage where the driveshaft enters the transmission indicates a defective rear transmission seal. Leakage where the driveshaft enters the differential indicates a defective pinion seal. While still under the vehicle, have an assistant turn the rear wheel so the driveshaft will rotate. As it does, check for binding, noise and excessive play in the U-joints. The universal joints can also be checked with the driveshaft motionless, by gripping both sides of the joint and attempting to twist it. Any movement at all in the joint is a sign of considerable wear. Lifting up on the shaft will also indicate movement in the universal joints. Check the driveshaft mounting bolts at both ends to make sure they're tight. The above driveshaft checks should be repeated on all driveshafts. In addition check for grease leakage around the sleeve yoke, indicating failure of the yoke seal. Check for leakage where the driveshafts connect to the transfer case. The driveshafts must be lubricated periodically as indicated in the maintenance schedule. Use the grease gun to insert grease into the fitting. The driveshafts are lubricated at the fitting and also at the boot. Also pull back the boot at the rear of the axle and insert grease.

First, detach the ground (negative) battery cable. Then, safely lift the car and hold it in position with jackstands. Place the shift lever into Neutral, and release the parking brake before starting work. Apply paint, a scribe, or a hammer and punch to stripe the driveshaft and differential flange, so when you reinstall the driveshaft, parts will match up exactly to keep the drive's balance consistent. Unscrew and remove the joint bolts at the back axle, while rotating either the drivetrain or tires to help you work. For 2WD models with separate driveshafts, loosen and remove the four center bearing support bolts. Lower and pull back the driveshaft from the transmission end, unscrewing any connecting bolts inside of the transmission. Before pulling out the driveshaft, protect your transmission from losing fluid or getting dirty by wrapping the transmission housing in a plastic bag, attaching it with a rubber band for Sidekicks, X-90s, Vitaras, and Trackers. Carefully wipe the cleaned transmission area, then take the plastic bag off. Afterward, check the oil seal thoroughly. Connect the driveshaft to the transmission, while on 2WD models with two-pieces, align the center bearing stand and bolt it in place at a right angle to the driveshaft lines. Line up the driveshaft rear with the transmission entrance as you slowly lift it, and make sure the marks line up. If necessary, turn the wheel to match. Lastly, use a torque wrench to tighten bolts and nuts to their right specifications.