Removal and Installation

REAR PROPELLER SHAFT


Removal and Installation


REMOVAL
1. Move the A/T select lever to N position and release the parking brake.
2. Remove the floor reinforcement.
3. Remove the center muffler with power tool. Testing and Inspection Component.





4. For VQ35HR 2WD models
- Put matching marks on propeller shaft rebro joint with final drive companion flange.

CAUTION:
For matching marks, use paint. Never damage propeller shaft rebro joint and companion flange.
For VK45DE models
- Put matching marks on propeller shaft rubber coupling with transmission companion flange and on rebro joint with final drive companion flange.

CAUTION:
For matching marks, use paint. Never damage rubber coupling, rebro joint and companion flanges.
For VQ35HR AWD models
- Put matching marks on propeller shaft flange yoke with transfer companion flange and on rebro joint with final drive companion flange.

CAUTION:
For matching marks, use paint. Never damage propeller shaft flange yoke, rebro joint and companion flanges.





5. Loosen mounting nuts of center bearing mounting brackets.

CAUTION:
Tighten mounting nuts temporarily.
6. Remove propeller shaft fixing bolts and nuts.
7. Remove center bearing mounting bracket fixing nuts.
8. Remove propeller shaft.

CAUTION:
If constant velocity joint was bent during propeller shaft assembly removal, installation, or transportation, its boot may be damaged. Wrap boot interference area to metal part with shop cloth or rubber to protect boot from breakage.

INSPECTION





- Check propeller shaft runout at measuring points with a dial indicator. If runout exceeds specifications, replace propeller shaft assembly. For measuring point, Component Tests and General Diagnostics.

Propeller shaft runout limit: 0.8 mm (0.031 in)





- As shown in the figure, while fixing yoke on one side, check axial play of joint. If outside the standard, replace relevant propeller shaft.

Journal axial play: 0 mm (0 in)

- Check propeller shaft for bend and damage. If damage is detected, replace relevant propeller shaft assembly.

CAUTION:
Never disassemble joints.
- Check center bearing for noise and damage. If noise or damage is detected, replace center bearing. Removal and Installation, "Removal and
Installation".

INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION:
- Avoid damaging the rebro joint boot, protect it with a shop towel or equivalent.





- Tighten mounting bolt and nut in the order shown in the figure.
- Align matching marks to install propeller shaft to final drive and transfer (AWD models only) companion flanges, and then tighten to specified torque. Component.





- Install center bearing mounting bracket (Upper) with its arrow mark facing forward.
- Adjust position of mounting bracket sliding back and forth to prevent play in thrust direction of center bearing insulator. Install bracket to vehicle.
- After assembly, perform a driving test to check propeller shaft vibration. If vibration occurred, separate propeller shaft from final drive. Reinstall companion flange after rotating it by 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 degrees. Then perform driving test and check propeller shaft vibration again at each point.





- If propeller shaft or final drive has been replaced, connect them as follows:
1. Install the propeller shaft while aligning its matching mark A with the matching mark B on the joint as close as possible.
2. Tighten the joint bolts to the specified torque. Component.

CAUTION:
Never reuse the bolts, nuts and washers.