Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement
Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement (RPO LP1/LY7) (2.8L/3.6L)
Caution: The propeller shaft must be supported during removal and/or installation so that the CV joint does not articulate more than 8 degrees. Allowing the propeller shaft to articulate greater than 8 degrees could cause damage to the CV boot. Damage to boot could lead to contamination or loss of lubrication which could lead to CV joint damage.
Note: The following service information is for those vehicles equipped with automatic transmission and are rear wheel drive (RWD).
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the rear mufflers. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement (With LY7 or LLT) (Service and Repair).
3. Remove the floor pan mid tunnel insulator.
Note: In steps 4 and 5, remove only the propeller shaft coupler-to-transmission flange bolts and the propeller shaft to rear differential flange. DO NOT remove the coupler from the propeller shaft nuts and bolts. If the bolts, nuts, and or washers are found to be damaged or excessively worn, DO NOT use. Discard and replace with NEW.
4. Remove the transmission flange bolts (4), nuts (6) and the washers (5) from the drive flange (1) and propeller shaft coupler (2).
5. Remove the differential flange bolts (6), nuts (4) and the washers (5) from the propeller shaft coupler (2) and the differential drive flange (3).
6. Using a jack stand, support the propeller shaft at the center support bearing.
Note: Note, some vehicles are equipped with a shim between the center support bearing and the mounting bracket for the center support bearing for the proper driveshaft angle.
7. Remove the center support bearing bolts (1).
Note: If the propeller shaft couplers and or the center support bearing are found to be damaged or have excessive wear, replace the propeller shaft as an assembly.
8. Remove the propeller shaft (1) from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Apply a small amount of lubricant GM P/N 1051344 (Canadian P/N 993037), or equivalent, to the pilot shaft on the rear differential drive flange and the transmission drive flange.
Note: When installing the propeller shaft, install the propeller shaft to the transmission drive flange and the rear differential flange prior to install the center support bearing.
2. With the aide of an assistant, install the propeller shaft assembly (1).
Note: Align the yellow and orange paint dots on the propeller shaft and the drive flange. Failure to do so could cause a drive line vibration and possible damage to the propeller shaft.
3. Align the yellow dot (2) on the propeller shaft with the orange dot (1) on the differential drive flange.
4. Install the center support bearing and the shim, if equipped.
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).
5. Install the center support bearing bolts (1) and tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb ft).
Note: If reusing the propeller shaft-to-flange nuts and bolts, to ensure proper adhesion and fastener retention, the threads must be free of debris prior to the application of threadlocker.
6. Thoroughly clean the threads using denatured alcohol, or equivalent, and allow to dry. Apply threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent, to the propeller shaft to the flange bolt. Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker along the length of the filled area of the bolt. Allow the threadlocker to cure approximately 10 minutes before installation.
7. Install the propeller shaft bolts (6), and the washers (5).
8. Install the propeller shaft coupler-to-differential flange nuts (4) and tighten to 85 Nm (63 lb ft).
Note: If reusing the propeller shaft-to-flange nuts and bolts, refer to step 6 for the proper application of the threadlocker.
9. Install the bolts (4), washers (5), and the nuts (6) and tighten to 85 Nm (63 lb ft).
10. Install the floor pan mid tunnel insulator.
11. Install the rear mufflers. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement (With LY7 or LLT) (Service and Repair).
12. Lower the vehicle.