GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Select park/1st gear position in the transmission and apply the park brake.
  2. Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  4. Remove the intermediate exhaust assembly. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement.
  5. Remove the propeller shaft heat shield. Refer to Exhaust Heat Shield Replacement - Center.

  6. Object Number: 1946957  Size: SH

    Important: Observe the orientation of the rubber couplings with reference to the differential flange and the transmission flange. This will minimise the potential of incorrect propeller shaft installation.

  7. Mark the rubber coupling (1) in relation to the differential flange (2).

  8. Object Number: 1946959  Size: SH

    Important: With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft (2).

  9. Remove the rubber coupling to differential bolts (1).

  10. Object Number: 1946962  Size: SH

    Important: With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft (2).

  11. Remove the centre bearing to body retaining bolts (1).
  12. Disconnect the propeller shaft (2) from the differential flange.
  13. Place a suitable container under the transmission in order to collect draining fluid.

  14. Object Number: 1946970  Size: SH

    Important: Do not damage the oil seal when disconnecting the propeller shaft (2) from the transmission. Cuts or abrasions will damage the oil seal and result in lubricant leakage from this area.

    Important: Support the propeller shaft front yoke (1) and move the propeller shaft (2) rearward to disconnect the propeller shaft front yoke (1) from the transmission shaft splines (3).

  15. With the aid of an assistant remove the propeller shaft (2) from the vehicle.
  16. Insert a suitable plug to the transmission shaft splines (3) to prevent loss of transmission lubricant.
  17. Inspect the propeller shaft (2) for excessive wear and/or damage. Inspect the following:
  18. • Propeller shaft. For replacement refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement.
    • Rubber coupling. For replacement refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Coupling Replacement.
    • Centre Bearing. For replacement refer to Propeller Shaft Center Support Bearing Replacement.
    • Universal joint. For replacement refer to Universal Joint Replacement.

Installation Procedure

  1. Remove the transmission plug installed prior to prevent loss of lubricant.

  2. Object Number: 1946970  Size: SH

    Important: Do not to damage the oil seal when installing the propeller shaft (2) to the transmission. Cuts or abrasions will damage the oil seal and result in lubricant leakage from this area.

    Important: Support the propeller shaft yoke (1) and install the propeller shaft (2) forward to connect the propeller shaft yoke (1) to the transmission output shaft splines (3).

  3. With the aid of an assistant install the propeller shaft (2) to the transmission.

  4. Object Number: 1946957  Size: SH

    Important: Align the marks on rubber coupling (1) to the differential flange (2) made prior to removal.

  5. Connect the rubber coupling (1) to the differential flange (2).

  6. Object Number: 1946962  Size: SH

    Important: With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft (2).

    Important: The centre bearing to body retaining bolts (1) must not be fully tightened at this stage.

  7. Install the centre bearing to body retaining bolts (1).
  8. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1946959  Size: SH

    Important: With the aid of an assistant or suitable jack support the propeller shaft (2) to the differential flange (3).

  9. Install the rubber coupling to differential flange retaining bolts (1).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 115 N-m (85 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1946968  Size: SH
  11. Tighten the centre bearing to body retaining bolts (1).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 22 N-m (15 lb ft).

  13. Install the propeller shaft heat shield. Refer to Exhaust Heat Shield Replacement - Center.
  14. Install the intermediate exhaust assembly. Refer to Exhaust Crossover Pipe Replacement.
  15. Remove the safety stands.
  16. Lower the vehicle to the ground.