GM 15833885 Propeller Shaft Assembly

To take out the rear driveshaft, you should lift the car and place it on the jackstands, turn ON the transmission with the parking on and block the front wheels. When removing the driveshaft for any reason, ensure the alignments of the driveshaft and pinion flange to ensure that the system balances when reconnected. Take out the rear universal joint bolts and straps using a large screw-driver through the driveshaft yoke to hold it stationary while doing so. Secure the bearing caps to the spider by taping them and then the rear of the driveshaft should be lowered while the front is to be slipped off the transmission or the transfer case. Place a plastic bag over the transmission or transfer case housing by using a rubber band in order to prevent loss of fluids as well as contamination. For installation, the user has to remove the plastic bag, wash the surrounds, and check the oil seal before re inserting the front of the drive shaft in the transmission or transfer case. Lift the rear of the driveshaft up to the aligned marks and if the marks do not align check to see if the rear wheels are turned in. Take off the tape from the bearing caps and fit the straps and bolts tightly and use the torque limiting screw to tighten them to the requisite measure as per requirement. In the case of the front driveshaft 4WD lift the front of the car and support it on jackstands then as usual remove the skid plate if present. Remove the rear steering gear crossmember and then the front crossmember to rear crossmember mounting bolts then the ten rear crossmember mounting bolts. Disconnect the left side catalytic converter heat shield followed by disconnecting the rear part of the steering gear crossmember. Just in front of the driveshaft sliding against the front differential companion flange, undo the bolts and the straps on the differential flange, the driveshaft can be pushed to the rear end then lowered to withdraw from the transfer case. For installation the rear part of the driveshaft has to be inserted into the splines of the transfer case output shaft until the retaining ring engages. Fit the front end to the differential companion flange, making sure that the aligned mark is on the front end; install the straps and bolts and tighten the nuts to the standardized torque. Last of all, bolt back the rear steering gear crossmember and tighten the bolts; likewise, bolt back the skid plate if this was removed.

The rear driveshaft features a splined yoke at the front that slips into the extension housing of the transmission or transfer case. This design allows it to slide back-and-forth during vehicle operation to accommodate changes in length due to suspension movement. An oil seal is also present to prevent fluid leakage and dirt entry.

Loosen the right front wheel lug nuts.