GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 43218 Clamp Pliers - Narrow Jaw

Removal Procedure

Important: Observe and accurately reference mark all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles before disassembly. These components include the propeller shafts, the drive axles, the pinion flanges, the output shafts, etc. All components must be reassembled in the exact relationship to each other as they were when removed. In addition, published specifications and torque values, as well as any measurements made prior to disassembly must be followed.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.

  2. Object Number: 2082911  Size: SH
  3. Reference mark the propeller shaft (1), the universal joint strap (2), the universal bearing cap (4), the drive pinion yoke (5), and the rear axle housing (6).
  4. Remove the rear propeller shaft bolts (3) and the universal joint strap (2).

  5. Object Number: 361410  Size: SH
  6. Using a flat bladed tool, remove the clamp (2) securing the boot (3) to the front propeller slip yoke (4)  and at the center bearing (1) by prying up the exposed end of the clamp (2).
  7. Notice: When removing the propeller shaft, do not attempt to remove the shaft by pounding on the yoke ears or using a tool between the yoke and the universal joint. If the propeller shaft is removed by using such means, the injection joints may fracture and lead to premature failure of the joint.

  8. Remove the rear propeller shaft from the rear axle and the center support bearing.

  9. Object Number: 2082951  Size: SH

    Important: Step 6 is for those vehicles that have a slip yoke from the transmission from transfer case to the propeller shaft.

  10. Reference mark the transmission or the transfer case (1), propeller shaft slip yoke (2), universal bearing cap (3), and the propeller shaft (4).

  11. Object Number: 2084255  Size: SH

    Important: Step 7 is for those vehicles that have the yoke attached to the output shaft.

  12. Reference mark the transmission or transfer case (1), output shaft flange (2), universal joint bearing cap (3), and the propeller shaft.

  13. Object Number: 361421  Size: SH
  14. Remove the center bearing support nuts (1).
  15. Remove the center bearing support (2).
  16. Important: For those vehicles equipped with the yoke attached to the output shaft, proceed to step 10. Those vehicles equipped with a slip yoke, proceed to step 12.

  17. For vehicles equipped with the yoke attached to the output shaft, use a suitable jack stand support the propeller shaft until propeller shaft is to be removed.

  18. Object Number: 2084455  Size: SH
  19. Remove the propeller shaft bolts (3), the straps (4), and the propeller shaft (2) from the transmission or the transfer case (1).

  20. Object Number: 404287  Size: SH
  21. Remove the propeller shaft from the transmission or the transfer case.

Installation Procedure

Important: If servicing a propeller shaft with a slip yoke, proceed to step 1. If servicing a propeller shaft with the yoke attached to the output shaft of the transmission or the transfer case, proceed to step 3.


    Object Number: 2082951  Size: SH
  1. Align the reference marks on the transmission or the transfer case (1), slip yoke (2), universal bearing cap (3), and the propeller shaft.

  2. Object Number: 404287  Size: SH
  3. Install the propeller shaft.

  4. Object Number: 2084255  Size: SH
  5. Align the reference marks on the transmission or the transfer case (1), output shaft yoke (2), and the propeller shaft (6).

  6. Object Number: 2084455  Size: SH

    Important: When installing the propeller shaft bolts, hand tighten the bolts. DO NOT tighten them to specification until the center bearing support bolts have been installed and torqued to specifications.

  7. Install the propeller shaft (2), the straps (3), the propeller shaft bolts (3) on the transmission or the transfer case (1).
  8. Position the center support bearing (1) on the frame.
  9. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 361421  Size: SH
  10. Install the center bearing support nuts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the center support bearing nuts to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).


    Object Number: 2084255  Size: SH
  12. Tighten the propeller shaft bolts (3) to specifications.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the propeller shaft bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 361410  Size: SH
  14. Install the boot (3) and the new clamps (2) onto the front propeller shaft slip yoke (4).
  15. Important: Ensure that the master splines on the slip yoke and the stub shaft are aligned before installing the rear propeller shaft.

  16. Apply a small amount of clean chassis grease to the slip yoke and the rear propeller shaft.
  17. Install the rear portion of the propeller into the front portion of the propeller shaft.

  18. Object Number: 2082911  Size: SH
  19. Align the reference marks on the rear axle housing (6), pinion yoke (5), universal bearing cap (4), and the rear propeller shaft (1).
  20. Install the straps (2) and the bolts (3).
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the yoke retainer bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 924863  Size: SH
  22. Using the J 43218 , crimp the boot clamps until the dimensions shown are obtained.
  23. Remove the support and lower that vehicle.