GM 22760960 Front Axle Propeller Shaft Assembly

When pulling the driveshafts, it is prohibited to beat the yoke ears or to wedge in between yoke and the universal joint and thus avoid frakture and early failure. To check the rear driveshafts, standing on jackstands and block the front wheels, raise the rear of the vehicle securely. Shift to park release the parking brake apply the exact amount of pressure to put the transmission in Neutral and label at the flange of the driveshaft and the pinion. The rear universal joint bolts and retainers must be unscrewed; the use of a large screwdriver will help to turn the driveshaft. On the vehicles with two-part driveshaft release the center support bearing fasteners. Secure the bearing caps to the universal joint so they will not come off, then lower the rear of the driveshaft and slide the front out of the transmission or transfer case. It is necessary to cover the transmission or transfer case housing with a plastic bag and fix it with a rubber band in order not to lose and contaminate the fluid. As for installation, untie the plastic bag and clean the place for the drain and check on the oil seal. Bring the front of the driveshaft into position with the transmission or transfer case, position the center support bearing for two piece driveshafts and fasten securely. On the comes to optimize marks on the rear of driveshaft, withdraw tape from the bearing cap and prepares the clamp and bolts to be used for tightening with the recommended torque. On 4WD models for the front driveshaft, raise the front of the vehicle and safely secure it and, if provided, remove the differential carrier splash shield. Loosen but do not remove the clamp securing the boot in place to the transfer case output shaft, release the boot and take a marker and align it to the relationship between the driveshaft and the companion flange of the front differential before removing the bolts and clamps. The best approach is to push the driveshaft to come out of the rearwards of differential flange, tape the bearing caps , lower the driveshaft and pull out of the transfer case. Optional, to dispose of the clamp and boot, you will have to unboltnut and washer assembly from the driveshaft. To install it, firstly can slide the rear of the driveshaft into the splines of the transfer case output shaft then align the marks on the companion flange on the front end attaching it to the differential, remove the tape, then the clamps and bolts must be tightened to the recommended torque. Last is to push the boot over the transfer case output shaft, set it into the groove, use a small screwdriver to balance the pressure inside the boot and new clamp. Replace the front differential carrier splash shield only if the vehicle has one.

A driveshaft is a tube on one or two of them transmitting power from the transmission or the transfer case in 4 wheel drive models to the differential with universal joints at the two ends and in the center for two part driveshafts. Single piece driveshafts have splined yoke at front to slide in the transmission housing for accommodating suspension movements; there is an oil seal to avoid leakage of fluids and dust; if leakage is observed the seal must be replaced. Two-piece driveshafts employ a slip joint at the forward end of the rear extension and comes with a support bearing that is a pre-lubricated ball type bearing provided in a rubber cradle. In general, driveshaft assemblies need little service, and universal joints are permanently lubricated and must be changed if there is a problem Removal is usually from the car. It is important that the driveshaft should not be covered with fats and dust to make it balanced so whenever disassembled, it must be placed again to the right side. Malfunctions in the driveshaft are characterised by noises or vibrations that occur when driving, therefore necessitating a road test. For inspection the rear of the vehicle should be raised and supported safely and then inspected for any dents or cracks in the driveshaft tubing in which case the driveshaft tubing will have to be replaced. Front or rear leakage means seal defects possible, and rotating rear wheel reveals proper functioning of universal joints, noises from centre bearing. One can also check the universal joint while the car is not in motion by trying to twist it; in case it is possible to twist it, then this is a sign of wear. Also the mounting bolts for the driveshaft should be checked to see that they are still tight. On the 4WD models, similar examinations should be done on the front driveshaft and in particular, examine the grease leakage around the sleeve yoke and where the driveshafts connected to the transfer case and front differential; also check the front driveaxles for looseness and front rubber boot s and the axle ends for any grease/oil leakage.