GM 89040245 Joint Kit,Propeller Shaft Rear Universal

A drive shaft is a tube that carries power between the transmission or transfer case and the differential. There are universal joints on either end of the rear drive shaft and on the front end of the front drive shaft. The front of the rear drive shaft has a splined yoke that slides into the extension housing of the transmission or transfer case, permitting it to be moved back and forth during vehicle operation. An oil seal prevents this leakage. Very little maintenance is required for the drive shaft assembly, but it may become necessary to replace universal joints if they develop problems. Drive shafts should be kept clean and checked for damage. Driving noise or vibration usually reveals issues with this part. When inspecting, look at its surface for dents or cracks, as well as for oil leakage from both ends. The U-joints should have free play without binding, rattling or rocking in them. Make sure you also tighten up all bolts securing the driveshaft in place. On 4WD models, check out the front driveshaft too including any seepage around its sleeve yoke. Looseness in the jointity of front driveaxles can be determined by checking; also look for grease or oil leaks emanating from rubber boots as well as axle flanges.

Always purchase a universal joint service kit for your model vehicle before beginning this procedure. Also, read through the entire procedure before beginning work. If inspection reveals looseness or play in the driveshaft center bearing (two-piece driveshafts), bring the driveshaft to a machine shop and have the old bearing pressed off and a new one installed. The yoke flange must be removed to replace the center bearing. Remove the driveshaft. Place the driveshaft on a bench equipped with a vise. Remove the snap-rings with a small pair of pliers. Support the cross (also called a spider) on a short piece of pipe or a large socket and use another socket to press out the cross by closing the vise. Press the cross through as far as possible, then grip the bearing cap with pliers and remove it. A universal joint repair kit will contain a new cross, seals, bearings, caps and snaprings. Inspect the bearing cap bores in the yokes for wear and damage. If the bearing cap bores in the yoke are so worn that the caps are a loose fit, the driveshaft will have to be replaced with a new one. Make sure the dust seals are properly located on the cross. Using a vise, press one bearing cap into the yoke approximately 1/4-inch. Use chassis grease to hold the needle rollers in place in the caps. Insert the cross into the partially installed bearing cap, taking care not to dislodge the needle rollers. Hold the cross in correct alignment and press both caps into place by slowly and carefully closing the jaws of the vise. Use a socket slightly smaller in diameter than the caps lo press them into the yoke. Press in one side, install the snap-ring, then press the other side to shift the cross assembly light against the installed snap-ring and install the other snap-ring. Repeat the operations for the remaining two bearing caps. If the joint is stiff after assembly, strike the yoke sharply with a hammer. This will spring the yoke ears slightly and free up the joint.

A driveshaft is a tube or pair of tubes that transmits power between the transmission or transfer case on 4WD models and the differential. It is equipped with universal joints at either end and in the center for two-piece driveshafts. On 2WD models, the driveshaft has a splined yoke at the front that allows it to slide back and forth within the transmission, with an oil seal to prevent fluid leakage and dirt entry. For 4WD models, the driveshaft may have a splined yoke or companion flange at the transfer case end, and two-piece driveshafts usually have a slip joint at the front of the rear section. Center bearings support the driveline in two-piece driveshafts, mounted in a rubber cushion on a frame crossmember. The driveshaft requires minimal service, with the universal joints being lubricated for life and replaced if problems arise. It is important to keep the driveshaft clean and inspect it for damage, ensuring the small weights used for balancing are in place and securely attached. Any noise or vibration while driving may indicate a problem with the driveshaft, which can be verified through a road test.

The universal joints in the driveshaft are lubricated for life and do not require regular maintenance.

A driveshaft is a tube or pair of tubes that transmits power between the transmission or transfer case on 4WD models and the differential.